Outdoor activities are enjoyed by many throughout the world. These activities can be both pleasure and work related. Outdoor activities are often supervised by employers, sporting clubs and community organizations.
Does that organization have a policy in place to deal with thunder storms that produce lightning strikes? In 2010, lightning was responsible for more than 240 injuries and 28 people killed in the USA alone. Lightning strike catastrophes can be avoided and the risks reduced when supervising organizations and employers have written procedures in place that deal with the occurrence of thunderstorms.
Lightning can be unpredictable when there is thunderstorm activity. Often, people will rely on old and mythical ways of determining how far away a lightning storm is. Frequently, outdoor activities are carried out when there is a high risk of lightning activity in the immediate area and participants are not aware of the risks.
Today, there are ways to detect lightning and learn how far away it is with a lightning detector. In addition, it can be learned in which direction the lightning and thunderstorm is moving in. More educated decisions can be made about outdoor events and their continuance when these detectors are in use.
The number of lightning related catastrophies in the past few years could have been reduced. An exorbitant number of organizations and employers of outdoor work people have still not acquired lightning detection for the safety of the individuals under their responsibility. Although it might be a big decision to have to direct people to safe locations when the big game is going on, or when work is getting done outside, but knowing there is lightning in the area can help keep everyone safer.
Any type of organization that hosts outdoor events, outdoor activities or outdoor employment is responsible for the safety of those participating. You also need to keep in mind the safety of any audience that may be attending your event. Do you have any responsibility for outdoor events like sports or track and field at your local schools? Perhaps you are part of management of a mining company company where workers are exposed to the elements. Maybe you organize outdoor events for children.
You need to be sure you are able to make the most informed decisions you can where outside activity occurs during the thunderstorm seasons.
If you’re one of the people that is involved in the operation of outdoor activities, find out if your organization has a policy and plan to deal with lightning and thunderstorms. In addition, some form of lightning detection will help you in keeping those people under your responsibility safe.
Click here to learn more about ews-pro lightning detector.