Extreme Weather Guidelines for Thame Bowls Club
The climate is changing to hotter drier summers with periods where the maximum temperature during the afternoons in the shade could regularly exceed 30 C 86 F and be close to 40 C or over 100 F in the sun. This can be particularly dangerous for the over 65s and in these circumstances, it is recommended that individuals should take adequate protection for their own safety such as using a sun cream factor with an SPF 30 or higher; wearing a cap or hat and lightweight clothing.
Match Officials responsibilities
The captain of the day should monitor the weather forecasts a few days before the game including whether any Heat Alerts have been issued by the Met Office to assess the risk of playing. The Heat Alerts are colour coded yellow, amber and the most severe red which indicates a severe risk to life. They should then consider whether to cancel the match or change the time it is played. If a red Heat Alert is in force the rule should be that the game is cancelled/postponed.
On the day of the match if it is to be played in conjunction with the opposing captain, they should consider shortening the match to 14 ends.
They should ensure, for home matches, that there are bottles of water in the fridge in the kitchen, available at no charge, and if possible, some cool or shaded areas for the players.
They and all skips should be vigilant in monitoring players for signs of heat stress which may include - tiredness, dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating cramps or fast breathing as well as a high temperature. Contact the NHS on 111 should you be concerned about someone's health.
Player’s responsibilities
Players should look out for one another and not just rely on the captain or skip to notice if someone is distressed. Players have the right to not play but to let the captain know as soon as they decide that the heat is too great.
Thunder and Lightning
Extreme heat is often accompanied by thunder and lightning. Bowls England have issued the following guidance: -
Do not take unnecessary risks in thunder and lighting. This is not a good idea for a number of reasons, some of which are:
- Lightning can kill or seriously injure
- Blue skies overhead do not guarantee protection from lightning strikes
- Lightning can strike far from where it is raining and it may come out of the blue, with no cloud in the sky and not a drop of rain
- It can strike even when the storm is as much as 10 miles away, though 6 miles or so is usually quoted as being a range at which risk really escalates
- Any exposed open area can be at risk if there’s thunder and/or lightning about
- Lightning won’t necessarily go for the tallest nearby tree; it could jump sideways from another object to hit you or strike the ground and travel through it hitting you on the way
- It is likely to seek conducting objects (including metal, carbon fibre etc)
- It can travel from person to person if you’re close together
Go indoors immediately if
- There is sudden thunder without lightning
- You see lightning in the clouds
- Flash to bang time is 30 seconds or less
- You see lightning strike the ground or a building etc. nearby
Do Not
- Bunch together – spread out as you move indoors
- Shelter under a tree, especially a single tall tree
- Stay outside if you can get into a building (or a car)
- Use an umbrella or gazebo as cover
- Avoid small sheds etc and stay away from windows and doors
When to resume following Thunder/Lightning
Keep watching and listening – 30 minutes after the last thunder it should be safe to go out – but if in doubt – stay indoors.
Danger Signs
There is imminent danger of a lightning strike if:
- You feel your hair standing on end
- There is crackling in the air
- There is sudden thunder without lightning
Remember – there is no safe place outside in a thunderstorm! Never lie flat on the ground during a lightning storm. If you can get into a sturdy building or a car do this at once.
https://www.bowlsengland.com/extreme-weather-guidelines-heat/
