Medford Township & MYAA
Park Lightning Safety Policy
Purpose:
The safety of all players, families, coaches, referees, and spectators is our top priority. This policy outlines the required actions to take when lightning is detected during MYAA activities or other events held at Medford Township Parks.
1. When the Lightning Siren Sounds
• Lightning sirens are installed at Freedom Park, the MYAA Softball Complex & Hartford Crossing Parks.
• The siren signals that lightning has been detected within a dangerous range.
• All games, practices, and outdoor activities must stop immediately.
• Everyone must seek safe shelter right away in:
- A fully enclosed building (e.g., clubhouse, restroom facility, or nearby home), OR
- A hard-top vehicle with windows fully closed.
• Do NOT take shelter under trees, umbrellas, dugouts, pavilions, or open-sided structures, as they are
not safe during lightning events.
2. “All Clear” Signal
• The siren will sound again to indicate it is safe to return outdoors.
• The “all clear” siren will not sound until at least 30 minutes after the last detected lightning strike in the area.
• If the siren malfunctions or is not heard, coaches, referees and families must time it manually:
- Wait 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder or flash of lightning before resuming activities.
- Each new rumble or flash restarts the 30-minute countdown.
3. For Township Parks without a Lightning Detection System
• You must time return to play manually
• Wait 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder or flash of lightning before resuming activities.
• Each new rumble or flash restarts the 30-minute countdown.
4. Responsibilities
• Players, coaches, parents, referees, and spectators must move to safety immediately when the siren sounds.
• Commissioners, coaches, referees, volunteers and third-party park renters: are responsible for:
- Immediately stopping play or practice.
- Directing players and families to appropriate shelter.
- Ensuring no activity resumes until either the all-clear siren sounds or the 30-minute timing rule is met.
5. Liability & Compliance
· Liability Disclaimer: Medford Township and MYAA are not responsible or liable for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from failure to follow this lightning safety policy.
· Assumption of Risk: Anyone who chooses to remain outdoors after a lightning warning has been issued, does so at their own risk.
· Enforcement: MYAA coaches, volunteers, and staff who fail to comply with this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension.
· Third-party facility or field renters must comply with this lightning policy. Failure to follow the policy may result in suspension or termination of current field use and/or loss of eligibility for future rental opportunities
Summary
- When the lightning is heard or siren sounds: Stop Play or Activity. Seek Shelter and Stay Put in the Shelter
Wait for either the all-clear siren OR follow the 30-minute rule: no play can resume until 30 minutes have passed since the last rumble of thunder or flash of lightning.