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Pershing Elementary will follow OCPS District Policy concerning
Emergency Dismissal Procedures.
Below is copied the 30-30 Rule for lightning.
For more information please see the Emergency Procedures Manual posted on the
OCPS Web Page.
https://www.ocps.net/Parents/Documents/EmergencyManualDoc.pdf
Lightning
Top Priority: Monitor Weather Alert Radio
Signal: Use PA system, bullhorn to get information to those within the learning
environment.
Definition: The following guidelines have been complied by lightning safety
experts and reflect the current
thinking on this topic. The National Weather Service routinely issues watches
and warning for thunderstorms
that produce tornadoes and other severe weather. It does not however, issue
warnings based solely upon lightning.
Moreover a storm need not be tornadic or severe in order to produce copious
amounts of lightning strikes. When
considering lightning any thunderstorm, by definition, has the potential to
produce a “severe” lightning strike.
Steps of Action:
The 30-30 Rule
Employ the “30–30 Rule” to know when to seek a safer location.
The “30–30 Rule” states that when you see
lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If this time is 30 seconds
or less, go immediately to a safer place. If
you can’t see the lightning, just hearing the thunder means lightning
is likely within striking range, go to a safer place.
After the storm has apparently dissipated or moved on, wait 30 minutes or more
after hearing the last thunder before
leaving the safer location. The “30–30 Rule” is best suited
for existing thunderstorms moving into the area. However, it cannot protect
against the first lightning strike. Be alert to changes in sky conditions
portending thunderstorm development directly overhead.
Larger outdoor activities, with longer evacuation times, may require a longer
lead-time than implied by the “30–30 Rule.”
Use ‘The 30-30 RULE’ to determine the threat of lightning in your
area.
30 Seconds:
• Count the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder. If this
time is less than 30 seconds,
lightning is still a potential threat. Seek shelter immediately.
30 Minutes:
• After hearing the last thunder, wait 30 minutes before leaving shelter.
Half of all lightning deaths occur after the storm passes. Stay in a safe area
until you are sure the threat has passed.
Indoor/Outdoor Safety
The safest place commonly available during a lightning storm is a large, fully
enclosed, substantially constructed
building. Substantial construction also implies the building has wiring and
plumbing, which can conduct lightning
current safely to ground. Once inside stay away from corded telephones, electrical
appliances, lighting fixtures,
electric sockets and plumbing. Don’t watch lightning from open windows
or doorways. Inner rooms are generally
preferable from a safety standpoint.
• Avoid open high ground and isolated large trees.
• Avoid water (swimming pools, lakes and rivers), beaches and boats.
• Seek shelter inside a building or an automobile, but not a convertible
or a golf cart.
• Stay away from doors, windows, and metal objects such as pipes or faucets.
• Stay off the telephone and away from electrical devices.
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio. Use the 30-30 rule for outdoor activity.
Someone Stuck by Lightning
If someone is struck by lightning, what should you do? In the event that a person
is struck by lightning, medical
care will be needed immediately to save the person’s life. With proper
treatment, including CPR if necessary, most
victims survive a lightning strike.
• Call 911. Provide directions and information about the likely number
of lightning strike victims;
• The first rule of emergency care is “make no more casualties”.
Rescuers must stay aware of the continuing danger that a lightning storm poses,
both to the rescuers as well as to the victim(s).
Ref : Florida Disaster.Org, Hazardous Weather : A Florida
Guide, Updated AMS Recommendations for Lightning
Safety-2002, American Meteorological Society Website.
Rev.June2005
Last updated 8/20/08
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