By RICK MARTINO
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Thanks to both the National Weather Service and struckbylightning.org, we discovered that some information presented last week did not reflect the most current recommendations for dealing with lighting safety.
So, I would like to share with you information sent to me by a spokesperson for the National Weather Service:
"Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the thunderstorm that spawns it. That's about the distance you can hear thunder. So, if you are close enough to the thunderstorm to hear the thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
"Waiting until the storm is any closer can be a fatal mistake. Seek safe shelter immediately. 'When thunder roars, go indoors' is a saying that is easy to remember and can be a life saver. Stay inside until 30 minutes after you last hear thunder.
"Like picnic shelters and dugouts, golf shelters offer no protection from lightning. The only safe building is one that is fully enclosed with a roof, walls and floor. Similarly, a golf cart offers no protection. The only safe vehicle is one that is enclosed with a metal top, allowing the lightning to be directed through the metal body around you, then into the ground.'''
Last week we stated, as a last resort, one should lie as flat on the ground as possible. This is not true. Rather, crouch down with your hands on your knees, resting on the balls of your feet so as to make as little contact with the ground as possible.
And yes, this is a last resort.
It is far better to seek shelter before the storm reaches you. You are not safe anywhere outside."
For more information on lightning safety, visit www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov and www.struckbylightning.org.
If you are attending a spectator event and a weather warning is given, it is imperative that you either take shelter immediately or leave the premises entirely.
Most spectator golf tournaments will post signs of weather warnings, as well as activate warning sirens in the event that dangerous or inclement weather is in the area.
Take these warnings seriously, as they are designed to protect the interests and safety of both the players and spectators.
Use common sense, and heed the advice of experts.
Consult your PGA Professional for their course's weather policies. Be sure you understand the end of play signal that a course gives out and the procedure to follow when it occurs. To find a PGA Professional near you, visit www.playgolfamerica.com and use the zip code search engine.
