| AUSTIN
– The Division of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Public
Safety warns the public that sports fields are dangerous during thunderstorms.
Sports fields are large, open areas where people are often the tallest
objects. Metal bleachers, fences, light poles and goal posts attract lightning.
When lightning hits these objects, the charge travels along the object,
potentially injuring anyone in contact with the metal. Lightning can bounce
off any of these objects and strike people nearby.
Schools, athletic programs, day care centers, and summer camps, as well
as coaches, referees and parents participating in field events need to
understand the dangers of lightning. They should be prepared to suspend
games and move the players and spectators inside nearby buildings or into
cars and buses until the storm threat passes. The Division of Emergency
Management offers the following lightning safety tips:
- If you can hear thunder,
you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
- If you are outdoors with
no shelter available, stay low.
- Move away from hills and
high places, and avoid tall, isolated trees.
- Do not touch metal objects,
such as tennis rackets, baseball bats, or golf clubs.
- Do not ride bicycles, or
lean against fences or metal sheds.
- Do not lean against a car
or truck -- get inside the vehicle quickly.
- If you feel your hair suddenly
stand on end, it means you may be a lightning target.
- Crouch low on the balls
of your feet and try not to touch the ground with your knees
- Avoid wet areas that can
conduct the lightning charge.
For more information
on Severe Weather Awareness, see the Division of Emergency
Management Web site: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/index.htm
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