Be aware of weather dangers

Finally, it seems, warmer weather has returned to the Valley and we can all once again take part in outdoor activities.
For many residents, that means youth sports like baseball and softball, track and field, and soccer, participatory sports like tennis and golf, and recreations such as boating, camping, swimming and picnicking.
But, we should all be mindful that warmer temperatures don't mean the end of dangerous conditions.
Every year, we are reminded of Mother Nature's fury and the news contains stories of athletes or spectators injured or killed by lightning and other stormy conditions.
Urges education: Walter M. Duzzny, who is director of Mahoning County Emergency Management, urges everyone to become more aware of the damage that can be done by spring and summer storms.
"Each year, thousands of our residents, young and old alike, participate in sporting events as our park and recreational facilities," Duzzny points out. "What we need the organizers of these events and leagues to do is prepare for inclement weather situations."
According to a release by Duzzny's department, an average thunderstorm is approximately 15 miles in diameter and lasts about one hour.
Mix together the possibility of tornadoes, high winds and a large gathering of people and it adds up to the possibility of casualties and even fatalities.
Duzzny says the foremost preventative for disaster is early warning, followed by a plan designed for the early dismissal of activities.
What to do: The EMA recommends the following procedures for coaches, league officials and team managers:
U & raquo;Become familiar with severe weather terms;
U & raquo;Shelter areas should be designated and have appropriate markings;
U & raquo;An accountability system for all players and team members should be established;
U & raquo;Identify medically trained persons within the league, such as fire and police officers, doctors, nurses and paramedics;
U & raquo;Identify a warning system, like sirens or horns, for facilities;
U & raquo;Have weather radios at each field;
U & raquo;Develop a plan for what to do when storms occur;
U & raquo;Insure that access is maintained for emergency vehicles, and
U & raquo;Have a policy that an form of lightning should prompt an immediate dismissal.
It seems to be, simply, common sense, but every once in a while we hear of a case where an approaching storm is ignored, resulting many times in an injury or death that could have easily been avoided.
Remember, any object aimed skyward can be a magnet for lightning. Bats, golf clubs, metal umbrella stands and even persons drenched by rain can attract lightning.
Example: We recall a story some years ago about a teen-aged female soccer referee who was in charge of a game at one of the fields along Interstate 76 in Austintown Township.
Late in the contest should heard thunder (she didn't see lightning, but it's not referred to as thunder AND lightning for no reason) and immediately suspended play. Amid shouts of anger, she directed all the players, coaches and fans to safety.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, the dangerous storm front swept through the area. No one can say if the young lady's actions saved any lives, but why wait to find out?
Duzzny's agency has information on its web-site:
www.disaster-emergencymgt.com
and he invites any league or organization wishing to know more about emergency procedures to call him at (330) 740-2200.
And, as a personal thought, while you practice weather safety, practice good sportsmanship as well.
XRob Todor is sports editor of The Vindicator.