--- title: "Lightning Strikes: Ensuring the Safety of Outdoor Venues" description: A recent lightning strike at an amusement park highlights the need for businesses operating outdoor venues to be alert and prepared for severe weather. image: https://afb.accuweather.com/hubfs/GettyImages-639454358.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/lightning-strikes-ensuring-the-safety-of-outdoor-venues#main-content) [![accuweather-business-white-01](https://afb.accuweather.com/hubfs/Website/accuweather-business-white-01.svg "accuweather-business-white-01")](https://afb.accuweather.com/) - [Learn & Support](https://afb.accuweather.com/learn-support) Learn & Support [Overview](https://afb.accuweather.com/learn-support) - [Case Studies](https://www.accuweather.com/en/news/case-studies) - [Webinars](https://www.accuweather.com/en/blogs-webinars/welcome-to-accuweathers-webinar-hub/1692349) - [Press Releases](https://corporate.accuweather.com/newsroom/press-releases/) - [Blog](https://www.accuweather.com/en/news/blogs-webinars) [![accu-winter-events](https://afb.accuweather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/accu-winter-events.jpg?width=90&height=90&name=accu-winter-events.jpg)](https://afb.accuweather.com/webinar-winter-risk-mitigation-services) Webinar [Take the Worry out of Winter: Risk Mitigation](https://afb.accuweather.com/webinar-winter-risk-mitigation-services) [![accu-hurricane-events](https://afb.accuweather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/accu-hurricane-events.jpg?width=90&height=90&name=accu-hurricane-events.jpg)](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/hurricane-relief-tips-how-your-business-can-help-without-becoming-a-victim) Blog [How your business can help without becoming a victim](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/hurricane-relief-tips-how-your-business-can-help-without-becoming-a-victim) - [Let's Get Started](https://afb.accuweather.com/lets-get-started) - [Learn & Support](https://afb.accuweather.com/learn-support) - [Case Studies](https://www.accuweather.com/en/news/case-studies) - [Webinars](https://www.accuweather.com/en/blogs-webinars/welcome-to-accuweathers-webinar-hub/1692349) - [Press Releases](https://corporate.accuweather.com/newsroom/press-releases/) - [Blog](https://www.accuweather.com/en/news/blogs-webinars) [Home](https://afb.accuweather.com/)  /  [Featured](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/tag/featured)  /  [Education](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/tag/education)  /  [SkyGuard](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/tag/skyguard) # Lightning Strikes: Ensuring the Safety of Outdoor Venues Posted by [Adrianne Burke](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/author/adrianne-burke) on Jun 22, 2023 ![LIGHTNING Awareness](https://afb.accuweather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LIGHTNING%20Awareness.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&name=LIGHTNING%20Awareness.jpg) Summary ## A recent lightning strike at an amusement park highlights the need for businesses operating outdoor venues to be alert and prepared for severe weather. Key Highlights #### Lightning strikes pose a significant threat to outdoor venues and the safety of visitors #### Adequate preparation and implementation of safety protocols are essential for preventing lightning-related accidents #### Businesses that receive accurate and timely information enhance preparedness and protect lives Outdoor venues, such as amusement parks, offer fun for people of all ages. But that fun can quickly turn into chaos when severe weather produces lightning. That is why these businesses should prioritize their visitors' safety, especially regarding the ever-present risk of lightning strikes. [\>\>READ MORE: ⚡Lightning 101: Separating Fact from Fiction and Its Impact on Businesses](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/lightning-101-separating-fact-from-fiction-and-its-impact-on-businesses) In June 2023, lightning struck the Rougarou roller coaster at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. The whole event was captured on the amusement park’s web camera. Fortunately, park-goers had been previously led out of the area due to weather concerns. Storms can develop quickly, and businesses need to have well-defined safety protocols in place to protect their visitors. > WOW! Check out this [#Lightning](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lightning?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) strike a rollercoaster on the Cedar Point, Sandusky, [#Ohio](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ohio?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) livecam moments ago during the [#Tornado](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tornado?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Warned Storm. ⛈️🤯 [#ohwx](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ohwx?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@NWSCLE](https://twitter.com/NWSCLE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/DRRSd5s0UY](https://t.co/DRRSd5s0UY) > > — BirdingPeepWx (@BirdingPeepWx) [June 15, 2023](https://twitter.com/BirdingPeepWx/status/1669488291643637762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms and lightning, can happen fast, posing a serious threat to the safety of visitors. Businesses need to understand the potential dangers of lightning strikes and take proactive measures to mitigate risks. Implementing comprehensive lightning safety plans, including proper lightning detection systems, emergency response procedures, and adequate communication channels, can help minimize the impact. Accurate and timely weather information is vital for making informed decisions during inclement weather conditions. [AccuWeather’s SkyGuard ® Warnings](https://afb.accuweather.com/accuweather-skyguard) offer a solution for outdoor venue operators to enhance their preparedness. By leveraging advanced weather monitoring technologies, SkyGuard Warnings provide precise information about approaching lightning activity.  [\>\>READ MORE: AccuWeather's minutes not miles approach to severe weather](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/accuweathers-minutes-not-miles-approach-to-severe-weather) AccuWeather's [minutes not miles](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/accuweathers-minutes-not-miles-approach-to-severe-weather) approach to lightning safety provides businesses with actionable insights based on the actual threat level rather than relying solely on the storm's distance. By understanding the imminent threat of a lightning strike within minutes, businesses can immediately protect visitors, including suspending outdoor activities, evacuating specific areas, and providing necessary shelter options. Want to learn more about how AccuWeather For Business can help your company be better prepared when lightning is in the forecast? Demo [SkyGuard](https://afb.accuweather.com/accuweather-skyguard) today or speak to an expert.   [![Speak to an Expert](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7482826/b03059e9-70ff-43f2-b851-3e86e907ed00.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7482826/b03059e9-70ff-43f2-b851-3e86e907ed00)   ## Stay ahead of the storm. ### Demo SkyGuard today. ## The latest from AccuWeather For Business [![](https://afb.accuweather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lightning.jpg?width=506&height=265&name=Lightning.jpg)](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/lightning-101-separating-fact-from-fiction-and-its-impact-on-businesses) ### [⚡Lightning 101: Separating Fact from Fiction and Its Impact on Businesses](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/lightning-101-separating-fact-from-fiction-and-its-impact-on-businesses) Lightning is a stunning display of raw power that can have devastating impacts on your business.... [Read More](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/lightning-101-separating-fact-from-fiction-and-its-impact-on-businesses) --- 4 minute read • Jun 20, 2023 [![](https://afb.accuweather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/lightning-hero-img.jpg?width=506&height=265&name=lightning-hero-img.jpg)](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/mitigating-the-risks-of-lighting-induced-service-disruptions) ### [Mitigating the Risks of Lightning-Induced Service Disruptions](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/mitigating-the-risks-of-lighting-induced-service-disruptions) Lightning-Induced Disruptions In today's fast-paced workforce, uninterrupted services are crucial... [Read More](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/mitigating-the-risks-of-lighting-induced-service-disruptions) --- 3 minute read • Jun 21, 2023 [![](https://afb.accuweather.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TankFire.png?width=506&height=265&name=TankFire.png)](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/lightning-strike-sparks-oil-tank-fire-importance-of-weather-protection-for-business-employees) ### [Lightning Strike Sparks Chemical Tank Fire, Highlights Need for Businesses to Better Prepare for Severe Weather](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/lightning-strike-sparks-oil-tank-fire-importance-of-weather-protection-for-business-employees) In early June 2023, a lightning strike at the Calcasieu Refining facility in Lake Charles,... [Read More](https://afb.accuweather.com/blog/lightning-strike-sparks-oil-tank-fire-importance-of-weather-protection-for-business-employees) --- 2 minute read • Jun 19, 2023 ## Want our stories delivered straight to you? Subscribe to our blog today! 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