More information on thunder and lightning safety can be found at the following:
The presence of thunder and/or lightning necessitates that all outdoor activities be suspended immediately. The occurrence of either thunder or lightning is not subject to interpretation or discussion. If thunder and/or lightning is heard and/or observed all outdoor activities will be suspended immediately. Players and spectators shall be directed to a safe location.
The following recommendations are made to mitigate the lightning hazard:
If thunder and/or lightning are present shelter must be taken for a minimum of 30 minutes from the time of the interruption before considering the resumption of play.
*Appropriate shelter is defined as any sturdy, fully enclosed, substantial building that has plumbing and/or electrical wiring that acts to electrically ground the structure.
Examples of locations routinely used that DO NOT meet the criteria for an appropriate shelter include:
• Persons should avoid taking showers and using plumbing facilities (including indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, Jacuzzis, and hot tubs) and land-line telephones during a thunderstorm.
• If no safe structure or location is within a reasonable distance, personnel should find a thick grove of small trees surrounded by taller trees, or a dry ditch. Everyone should assume a lightning-safe position: a crouched position on the ground with the feet together, weight on the balls of the feet, head lowered and ears covered. Minimize the body’s surface area contact with the ground. Do not lie flat!
• If unable to reach safe shelter, persons should stay away from the tallest trees or objects (i.e. light poles flag poles, etc.), metal objects (i.e. fences, bleachers, etc.), individual trees, standing pools of water and open fields. Persons should avoid being the highest object in an open field. • In situations where thunder and/or lightning may or may not be present, yet someone feels his/her hair stand on end and skin tingle, LIGHTNING IS IMMINENT! Therefore, all persons should assume a lightning-safe position, as described above.
• A cellular and/or portable remote phone is a safe alternative to land-line phones, if the person and the antenna are located within a safe structure or location, and if all other precautions are followed.