Have you seen this picture before? Well, maybe not the exact same picture, but you may have seen one similar to this...reflecting the randomness of a lightning strike. The picture below was taken at Westfield Group Country Club after a storm in 2008 and occured between holes 10 and 18 on the South Course. Fortunately, the courses were evacuated prior to the strike and the only loss was the Locust tree, which was removed three months after the incident. What you don't see is the splintered shrapnal of the tree which was cast out approximately 25 to 30 yards, evidence of the high energy a bolt of lightining carries.
Lightening is the main reason for course evacuation, but impending severe storms require us to evacuate as well. The evacuation procedure is not only for members and guests, but for employees as well.
Our course evacuation program at WGCC includes the following protocol:
- Monitor daily weather forecasts to determine level of severe weather probability
- If severe weather is forecasted for the day, staff continually monitors weather radars through out the club facilities.
- If radar indicates severe weather exists in the region, and staff monitors the lightening detection system and if the system indicates a course evacuation value, the course evacuation siren is sounded with three long blasts.
- At this time golfers and employees are required to evacuate the courses and go to assigned safe areas on the golf courses including; The Clubhouse, Blair Center, Halfway House or Cart Barn.
- During the period of inclimate weather, the staff continues to monitor weather conditions and at the point of when the lightening detection system indicates all clear, three blasts will sound again to resume play.
Where ever it is you may be playing, if there is potential for severe weather, ask about the course evacuation plan and make sure you understand where to go seek safe shelter.
Some articles of interest regarding Lightening Safety:
On Course Lightening Safety Tips
National Golf Foundation Article "Don't Play Through"
2009 Lightening Fatalitiy statistics
*Staff Photo
Comments