1. ATHLETICS LIGHTNING POLICY
a. All Athletic Trainers and Event Management personnel have had their cell phones programmed into the Weather Sentry alert system. Text messages will be sent to all cell phones when lightning has occurred within thirty (30) to ten (10) miles or less of our field locations.
b. When the text message is received, activity must stop and participants need to move to shelter. There is no discretion in this step. If the text message is received during a game, the Athletic Trainer or Event Manager (if both are present, the Event Manager takes the lead) must notify the head official of the warning and indicate that the field must be cleared until 30 minutes after the last text message (indicating lightning has occurred) has been received. Text messages are received as "Advisory" text (30 miles or less away) and as a "Warning" text (10 miles or less away).
c. When Public Address systems are in use, an announcement should be made that the game is being halted and that fans should also seek shelter or leave the area.
d. Play may resume after 30 minutes from the last time indicated on the last text message, and/or after receiving the "All Clear" text, that is received indicating lightning has occurred within ten (10) miles.
e. If you witness lightning but don't receive the text message, follow the policy as if you did (stop the activity.) If you witness lightning after receiving the message, restart your 30-minute count and/or wait for the "All Clear" text.
f. If there is any doubt, common sense should prevail.
g. For home Football games, follow the "Lightning Policy for Home Football Games".
2. LIGHTNING POLICY FOR HOME FOOTBALL GAMES
a. The cell phones of Football Athletic Trainers, select Athletics Administrators, Event Managers and the Grounds Supervisor have been programmed into the Weather Sentry alert system for notification of lightning occurring within 30 to 10 miles or less of Delaware Stadium. Text messages will be sent to these cell phones.
b. When the text message is received, the Athletic Director or his/her designee will meet the Grounds Supervisor in his/her office (NEZ building) to monitor the Weather Sentry radar and lightning strike locations and will contact Public Safety in the Command Center to inform them of the potential need to clear the stadium.
c. If it appears that the lightning is moving in the direction of the stadium or additional alerts have been received, the following procedure will begin:
1) The Athletic Director will communicate with the President or his/her designee, the lightning situation as viewed on the Weather Sentry system for a decision about the clearing the fans from the stadium.
2) The Manager, Football Operations, will coordinate stopping the game with the officials when lightning is within five (5) miles.
3) The designated Athletics Administrator will call the Press Box to have "Lightning Announcement #1" read over the Public Address system, posted on the message center of the scoreboard, and relayed to the UD Athletics radio broadcaster.
4) If the President or his/her designee makes the decision to clear the stadium, the Athletic Director will call the Press Box to have "Lightning Announcement #2" read over the Public Address system, posted on the message center of the scoreboard, and relayed to the UD Athletics radio broadcaster. Public Safety will notify stadium personnel (via walkie-talkie) of the need to follow the stadium evacuation procedures. Ushers and Public Safety will assist with the evacuation.
5) If the game has been stopped (lightning within five (5) miles,) it cannot resume until the officials have been notified by the Manager, Football Operations that thirty (30) minutes have passed since the time of the last text message that he/she has received.
6) Fans may not return to their seats until thirty (30) minutes have passed since the time of the last text message received by the designated Athletics Administrator (who will notify the Athletic Director and the Press Box.) An announcement will be made indicating it is safe to return over the Public Address system and on the radio station that is broadcasting the game for UD Athletics.
LIGHTNING ANNOUNCEMENT #1
May I have your attention, please. A lightning storm is currently moving in the direction of the stadium. For your safety, you may wish to start moving calmly out of the stands toward shelter. Please go to your car, Delaware Field House or the Bob Carpenter Center and do not remain under the stands. The football game is not being halted, at this time. If we need to fully clear the stadium, we will notify you immediately. You will be permitted to re-enter the stadium when an announcement is made that it is safe for you to do so over the Public Address system and on WDSD 94.7 FM. Thank you.
LIGHTNING ANNOUNCEMENT #2
Attention! A lightning storm is approaching our area. We need to clear the stadium. Please move to the nearest aisle and calmly exit the stadium. Seek shelter in your car, the Delaware Field House or the Bob Carpenter Center. Do not remain under the stands. The football game will be halted soon. Please tune your radios to the WDSD 94.7 FM to listen for further instructions. Thank you for your cooperation.
(Approved by AGB, 12/8/05)