Did you know outdoor sports and recreational activities are responsible for about half—or more—of all lightning-related deaths each year? In 2010, 62 percent of lightning-related deaths were during outdoor sports and recreational events, and in 2011, that figure was 48 percent.

With spring sports off to a start, and thunderstorm season officially upon us, now’s a good time to brush up on lightning safety. Here are some recommendations recently released by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association:

1.      Plan ahead: Create a lightning-specific emergency plan for your location.

2.      Stay alert: Ensure lightning and general weather awareness.

3.      Think big: Prepare planning protocols for large venues.

4.      Get ready: Make sure you’re equipped and prepared to provide first aid as needed.

While lightning can strike at any time of day, the threat of thunder and lightning is high from afternoon to early evening in the late spring and early fall—when 90 percent of lightning deaths occur.