East Longmeadow Soccer Association Regulations

Emergency Procedures During Thunder and Lightning Storms

The East Longmeadow Recreation Department has adopted the following procedure, ALL coaches, players and spectators are to conform completely

Purpose: To describe the procedures to be followed for all Recreation Department Activities, when the threat of thunder and lightning is present.

Preface: Thunder occurs as a result of lightning. If thunder can be heard then the presence of lightning is real, even though it may not be immediately observed. According to The National Weather Service, a thunderstorm is considered as “ended” when there has been NO sounding of thunder, or sighting of lightning within the last fifteen minutes and the sky is no longer dark and ‘threatening”. Unless there are evident signs of clearing, the storm should not be considered as “ended”.

Clearing the facility: All programs, participants, patrons and facility staff should be cleared from the facility, and the surrounding area immediately at the first sounding of thunder, or the first sighting of lightning. Because lightning is attracted to the tallest object in the area, participants, patrons and facility staff should not be allowed to congregate under trees, umbrellas or other tall objects. Everyone should leave the facility, go indoors, or stay in their automobiles until the storm passes.

Returning to the facility: Participants, patrons ans staff should not re-enter the facility or come out from shelter until 30 minutes after the last sounding of thunder, or sighting of lightning. Furthermore, participants, patrons and staff should not re-enter the facility unless there are evident signs of clearing, and the sky is no longer dark and threatening.

THIS  POLICY  APPLIES  TO  ALL  

RECREATION DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES

USING   OUTDOOR   FACILITIES