City of Bonham
Emergency Management Office

AUSTIN – The Division of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Public Safety

warns the public that sports fields are dangerous during thunderstorms.

Sports fields are large, open areas where people are often the tallest objects. Metal

bleachers, fences, light poles and goal posts attract lightning. When lightning hits these

objects, the charge travels along the object, potentially injuring anyone in contact with

the metal. Lightning can bounce off any of these objects and strike people nearby.

Schools, athletic programs, day care centers, and summer camps, as well as coaches,

referees and parents participating in field events need to understand the dangers of

lightning. They should be prepared to suspend games and move the players and

spectators inside nearby buildings or into cars and buses until the storm threat passes.

The Division of Emergency Management offers the following lightning safety tips.

If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

If you are outdoors with no shelter available, stay low.

Move away from hills and high places, and avoid tall, isolated trees.

Do not touch metal objects, such as tennis rackets, baseball bats, or golf clubs.

Do not ride bicycles, or lean against fences or metal sheds.

Do not lean against a car or truck -- get inside the vehicle quickly.

If you feel your hair suddenly stand on end, it means you may be a lightning target.

Crouch low on the balls of your feet and try not to touch the ground with your knees

Avoid wet areas that can conduct the lightning charge.