A solid building or a hard top [metal bodied) vehicle [including buses) that guides the lightning current around the passengers, is an alternative. Shelter should NEVER be sought under a small group (or single) of trees, in an open field or in small open structures such as rain/picnic shelters. People should stay away from metal poles, fences, clothes lines etc and should not use umbrellas or mobile telephones. Metal is not to be touched.

If located at a ground far removed from a safe shelter, preventative measures can still be taken. If lightning is about to strike, it may provide a very few seconds of warning. If hair stands on end, the skin tingles and a 'buzzing is heard from nearby rocks or light metal objects, lightning may be about to strike and a crouching position should be assumed (alone, feet together, squat down with head tucked and ears covered). When the immediate threat of lightning has passed, safe shelter should be sought.

If the worst case scenario occurs and a person is struck by lightning, there are key first aid guidelines to follow. Medical care may be needed immediately to save a persons life. If at all possible, call '000' at once. As all deaths from lightning arise from cardiac arrest and/or stopping of breathing, it is imperative that treatment is commenced as soon as possible. CPR or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is the respective recommended first aid. If proper treatment is administered, most victims survive a lightning strike.

Another myth is that strike victims retain electricity - they do not! However, lightning victims do often suffer severe, long-term debilitation. The most common symptoms are memory deficit, sleep disturbance, chronic pain, dizziness and chronic fatigue which may not be evident until some time after the injury, perhaps months later. It is therefore preferable that a qualified first- aider be present at games.

Where possible, everybody present on a match day should be warned of the potential dangers of lightning so that all can be made aware of the safety procedures in operation. It is recommended that, where feasible, notices and safety instructions be placed in programs and on walls where clearly visible and obvious. It is recognised that a majority of grounds being used in NSW may be local government owned and that the individual council policies may assist, or preclude, such actions. Clubs and associations are encouraged to discuss this policy with ground owners in an attempt to gain signage approval.

No lightning safety plan or policy will provide 100% guaranteed total safety, but every effort can be made to ensure that all preventative steps are taken.