Barney & Barney LLC Offers Tips on Lightning Safety During the Summer Sports Season

SAN DIEGO, July 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As outdoor sports heat-up local fields, it is important that parents, coaches and children take precautions when it comes to weather. Lightning – which is very common during this time of year — causes an average of 62 deaths and 300 injuries in the United States each year, according to the National Weather Service.

But nearly all injuries can be avoided by taking simple precautions.

"Sports are exciting and fun. But, finishing a game is never worth getting injured," according to William Brennan, principal at Barney & Barney LLC. "Many people assume that the rain is too far away for lightning to strike their area, but most people are struck by lightning before the rain arrives or after the rain has passed."

With this in mind, Barney & Barney LLC have offered some helpful tips on how to keep your games safe when skies rumble.

• Monitor weather patterns—plan accordingly
• Know when storms are approaching the area
• Track weather through local radio, T.V., the Internet or car radios
• If lightning is present or a thunderstorm is approaching, evacuate to safe places
• Use the "30-30 Rule"—count the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder. If the time is less than 30 seconds, lightning could be a threat. Take shelter in a building or vehicle
• Remember that trees and bleachers don't offer protection and, in fact, attract lightning
• Educate staff about how to recognize the signs of nearby lightning and procedures
• Have an emergency evacuation plan
• Develop criteria for suspension and resumption of play in the event of lightning or other inclement weather

About Barney & Barney, LLC

We have been providing premier insurance, risk management and employee benefits solutions since 1909.

With offices in San Diego, Orange County and the Bay Area, we offer a full range of services and coverages for both businesses and individuals.

For more information on lightning safety, please contact William Brennan at Barney & Barney LLC.

Barney & Barney, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company 
9171 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 500 | San Diego, CA 92122 
direct (858) 587-7404 
mobile (858) 775-7404 | fax (858) 909-9741

SOURCE Barney & Barney, LLC