Newark Farm Lightning Policy

Lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that may affect outdoor working conditions. The following safety precautions and protocol should be followed by any group or person working on the farm in unsheltered and unprotected conditions.

  1. Chain of Command:The persons filling the roles listed below are responsible for making the decision to remove a group or individuals from the field, stopping the activity, and determining when/if it is safe to resume:

    2. a) Farm Crew/Shop: Unit Manager (Tony Timko)

    b) Dairy Unit: Unit Manager (Richard Morris)

    c) Poultry Unit: Unit Manager (Karen Gouge)

    d) Livestock Unit: Unit Manager (Scott Hopkins)

    e) Researchers and their staff: Primary Investigator

  2. Detection: Be aware of how close lightning is occurring by using the "flash to bang method".
    • Count the seconds from the time the lightning is sighted to when the clap of thunder is heard.
    • For every 5 seconds you count, the storm is 1 mile away from you.
    • At 6 miles out (or 30 seconds) or if you feel your hair stand on end or skin tingle, CEASE ACTIVITY AND SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.
  3. Shelter: Safe shelter is defined as a building such as Delaware Field House, Bob Carpenter Center, Carpenter Sports Building, Hartshorn Hall or the Student Health Center. If access to a building is not available, seek shelter in a car with the windows up, but do not touch the sides of the vehicle (a golf cart or transport vehicle are NOT appropriate shelter).
    • Avoid being near large trees or poles (choose a small tree in a wooded area, if possible).
  4. Last Resort: If no safe shelter is available, crouch on the ground with your arms wrapped around your knees and only the balls of you feet touching the ground. DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND.

Unprotected work should not resume until 30 minutes after the last lightning or clap of thunder.