~ Lightning Safety Tips for UK Outdoor Activities ~

Campus Ballfields and Intramural Fields

General Information

Lightning’s behavior is random and unpredictable. Preparedness and quick response are the best defenses towards the lightning hazard.

Lightning Safety Program for Ball Fields

At the first signs of lightning or thunder, leave the ball field. Go to your vehicle and take shelter there with the windows rolled up. ("If you can hear it (thunder), Clear It (suspend activities)."

AVOID the rain and sun shelters and the dugout areas. These are not safe from lightning.
AVOID going underneath trees. Trees "attract" lightning.
AVOID metal fences, gates, and tall light poles and power poles.

Wait 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder before you leave shelter. Game officials will signal a resumption of activities.

Campus Outdoor Parks

General Information

Lightning’s behavior is random and unpredictable. Preparedness and quick response are the best defenses towards the lightning hazard.

Lightning Safety Program for City Parks

At the first signs of lightning or thunder, leave the park. Go to your vehicle and take shelter there with the windows rolled up. ("If you can hear it (thunder), Clear It (suspend activities)."

AVOID the rain and sun shelters in the park. These are not safe from lightning.
AVOID going underneath trees. Trees "attract" lightning.
AVOID metal fences, gates, and tall light poles and power poles.

Wait 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder before you resume outdoor activities.

4.5.3 Campus Swimming Pools (Indoor AND Outdoor)

General Information

Lightning’s behavior is random and unpredictable. Preparedness and quick response are the best defenses towards the lightning hazard.

Our pools are connected to a much larger surface area via underground water pipes, gas lines, electric and telephone wiring, etc. A lightning strike in one place to this metallic network may induce shocks elsewhere. Indoor and outdoor pools are the same for lightning.

Lightning Safety Program for Pools

At the first signs of lightning or thunder, the pools will be evacuated. ("If you can hear it (thunder), Clear It (suspend activities)." They will remain cleared for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder.

Patrons should leave the pool and the surrounding area. Seek shelter inside the main building, or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle with the windows up.

AVOID waiting under tall trees, umbrellas, or near electric power lines.
AVOID use of showers or other contact with water.
AVOID use of the telephone.
AVOID contact with metal objects.

Teach this safety slogan:
"If you can see it, flee it; if you can hear it, clear it."