Safety
Severe weather policy
Baseball Ontario follows Environment Canada guidelines with respect to lightning safety:
When thunder roars, GO INDOORS!
If you can hear thunder, you can get hit by lightning. Take shelter immediately. If you cannot find a sturdy, fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing, get into a metal-roofed vehicle. Stay inside for 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
Direct strikes are responsible for only 5% of lightning-related deaths and injuries. Two other types of hazardous phenomena are caused by lightning. Ground current and side flash account for 60 to 80% of lightning-related injuries and deaths. A ground current is set up when lightning hits the ground, spreads out and sends a current through a victim. Side splash occurs when lightning hits a tall object, travels partly down the object and then jumps to a nearby victim.
Lightning Safety and Preparedness Fact Sheet
Video: Lightning Safety on the Field
Environment Canada: Lightning Resources
Please utilize all resources available from Environment Canada's Lightning Safety Program, including the 'Lightning Safety on the Field' video which discusses the use of the Canadian lightning danger map.
As per the video, two volunteers, one from each team, can be assigned to check the Canadian Lightning Danger Map online and let the umpire know if lightning is approaching the field.
CANADIAN LIGHTNING DANGER MAP
Video: How to use the Lightning Danger Map
Heat-related illnesses guidelines
The human body normally cools itself by sweating, but in extreme heat and humidity that's not enough. Perspiration doesn't evaporate easily on hot, humid days, and that means the body must work harder to maintain a normal temperature.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke: Symptoms and treatment
Government of Canada Extreme Heat Overview
Air quality index and sport safety
Sport safety can be affected by air pollution. Air pollution levels in Canada are generally low, but there are times when air pollution levels rise.