Before the game
• Check the forecast and be aware of the potential for thunderstorms.

During the game
• Have a portable NOAA Weather Radio to receive severe weather watches, warnings and forecast.
• If there is a threat of thunderstorms, designate a lightning spotter.
• Pay much more attention to the lightning threat than to the rain threat.
• If lightning threatens, suspend play and seek shelter in a building or hard-top vehicle with the windows up.

Guidelines for Suspending Play
• Flash to Bang Method - Count the number of seconds from the flash of lightning until you hear the bang of the thunder. Divide by 5 to determine the distance of the lightning flash in miles.
• 30-30 Rule - Using the Flash to Bang method, if thunder occurs within 30 seconds of the lightning it is less than 6 miles away - close enough to be a threat. Stop play and get to shelter. Stay indoors until 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder.

Lightning Safety
• Avoid being near or under tall objects such as tall trees and power poles.
• Avoid being out in the open where you are the tallest object.
• Do not be on or near water.
• Do not be near or touching metal objects such as a chain link fence or metal vehicle (it doesn’t matter if you are wearing metal cleats or rubber soles).
• Picnic shelters and gazebos will keep you dry but do not offer protection from lightning.
• Go inside a substantial building or hard-top vehicle with the windows up. Avoid using electrical appliances, telephones or plumbing.
• If caught out in the open and your hair stands on end, there is tingling on your arms or back of your neck, or you hear buzzing - get down low in a crouching position and cover your head with your arms.

For more information contact your local National Weather Service Office, American Red Cross chapter, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Brochures can be viewed and downloaded from www.nws.noaa.gov/om/nwspub.htm and www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.