OSU recognized for lightning safety
Thursday, November 13, 2014
The National Weather Service recently recognized Oklahoma State University for its completion of the NWS Lightning Safety Toolkit, the first school in Oklahoma and the Big 12 to receive the acknowledgment.
The toolkit is a voluntary program recognizing those that are proactive in developing a thorough plan for before, during and after a lightning-related incident. The program is designed to help reduce the risk of lightning through improved preparedness of event staff and emergency personnel.
“We are proud to recognize the hard work that's been done at OSU to help keep everyone aware and safe from the hazards of lightning,” said Rick Smith, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the NWS’s Norman Forecast Office. “This recognition demonstrates that the university has gone above and beyond in planning and education to reduce the chances of someone being injured or killed by lightning.”
The toolkit is targeted at large outdoor venues such as golf courses, amusement parks or, in OSU’s case, outdoor sport stadiums. It also follows NCAA Guidance as described in the NCAA 2011 & 2012 Football Rules & Interpretations.
“The key is being proactive and mitigating risk,” said Ron Hill, manager of OSU emergency operations. “There are several steps, including education, awareness, notification and staffing that can help. We are looking to take those steps, using the toolkit, to be proactive.”
To learn more about the toolkit, visit lightningsafety.noaa.gov/toolkits/toolkit.htm. For information on severe weather safety, visit safety.okstate.edu/severe-weather.
Story by Jackson Hodges