Weather Safety

Lightning & thunderstorms

When to stop: If you see lightning or hear thunder, training stops immediately and everyone moves to safe shelter. Use the Flash-to-Bang rule: if the time between a lightning flash and the sound of thunder is 30 seconds or less, that storm is close enough to be dangerous. If a weather app or alert shows lightning within 6 miles, don't wait for thunder — stop training and seek shelter immediately.

Where to go: Because Piñon Valley Park has no fully enclosed structures, everyone will shelter in available vehicles. Keep windows closed and avoid touching metal surfaces inside the vehicle during the storm. Students who arrived without a vehicle will be accommodated by a staff member in one of the vehicles on site.

When to resume: We wait a full 30 minutes after the last lightning flash or thunder before resuming any outdoor activity. If lightning or thunder occurs again during that window, the 30-minute clock resets.

Who decides: The instructor on site has final authority to suspend and resume training. When there is any doubt, we err on the side of safety — a missed class is always preferable to an unsafe one.

Other hazardous weather

• Severe thunderstorms, high winds, or hail: Same rules as lightning. Seek hard shelter immediately.
• Extreme heat: Training may be modified, shortened, or cancelled at instructor discretion. Stay hydrated and bring water to every outdoor class.
• Heavy rain: Light rain is generally fine. If lightning is present, it is not.

A note for parents

Colorado's weather can change fast. A clear sky at drop-off can become a lightning situation 20 minutes later. We encourage parents and guardians to stay for the duration of outdoor classes. This keeps everyone together and means your student can reach safe shelter quickly without waiting for a pickup call to be answered.

If staying isn't possible, please make sure we have a current phone number for you and that your student knows where to meet you in the event of an early dismissal.

Before you arrive

Check the forecast before heading out. Colorado Springs afternoon storms can develop quickly, especially in summer. The National Weather Service forecast for Colorado Springs is a good habit before any outdoor class.

Questions? Reach us at [email protected].

Additional information

• Thunderstorm Safety (American Red Cross)
• Guidelines for Developing Lightning Safety Policies (NFHS)
• Lightning and Organized Sporting Event Recommendations (CDC)
• Lightning Safety Toolkit for Outdoor Venues (National Weather Service)