Emergency Action Plan

The following guideline has been developed to coordinate actions in the event of a severe weather emergency at the 24 Hours of 9 Mile National Mountain Bike Championship. The safety of everyone involved – participants, volunteers and spectators – is our prime concern.

A NOAA weather radio will be used at the registration/main event area during the event. In addition, current weather forecasts will be posted at the registration table and start/finish line.

IN THE EVENT severe weather is forecast for the area, all riders/spectators will be notified during check-in and prior to leaving before each lap. Riders will be notified that in the event of a severe weather emergency, riders will be pulled off the course and instructed to report to the NEAREST check station IMMEDIATELY.

IF SEVERE WEATHER MOVES IN TO THE AREA, the RACE WILL BE NEUTRALIZED.

AIR HORNS will be sounded at all check points, as well as the start/finish line and camping area, notifying participants that severe weather is approaching.

ALL participants, spectators and volunteers will then be directed to either the maintenance building or the chalet to seek shelter from the storm. THIS INCLUDES all participants at the camping sites.

Once the threat of severe weather has passed, race officials will notify participants of the re-start procedures.

• Officials will call for the stoppage of the race. 
• No riders will proceed from the start line. 
• Immediate Stoppage at all points
• All riders will be told to stop at the checkpoints.  All riders will be directed to either stay at the check point or return to base camp.  The Check Point personnel are in charge and rider must listen to their instructions.
• When given all clear message, riders return to the main venue and then ride through the finish chute.
• Everyone must log off through Finish line chute to make sure all riders are accounted for. You do not need to finish lap just get back fast and go through chute.
• Only laps completed as of the stoppage time will be counted toward overall finish.  The partial laps will be cancelled.
• Large and garage is available for tornado and large storms. When horn sounds, all campers and rider should proceed to the large garage in the main venue area.
• The race will restart as weather allows but no earlier than two hours after the stoppage.  This will allow for all riders to return to the base camp for a restart.
• The restart will be on the honor system.  All riders in close contention in their category should be allowed to go to the front.  Others please hold back.  Also Ability level should be taken into consideration.  We don’t want a log jam at the single track.

Timing and Scoring:

As of last lap, we will Subtract Last completed lap finish time (y) from stoppage time (x). 

x-y= z (Time Difference as of Stoppage)

                                       

Restart time will be announced.  (minimum of two hours from Stoppage time)

Finish After 10 am. Final finish time after 10 am =(F)

F – Z = Net time finish.

SAFETY Locations at 9 mile. 

• Inside the maintenance garage (near shower trailer)
• Inside the main Chalet (where registration takes place)

Tornado Safety

If a tornado was approaching, would you know what to do?

Tornadoes are the most violent atmospheric phenomenon on the planet. Winds of 200-300 mph can occur with the most violent tornadoes. The following are instructions on what to do when a tornado warning has been issued for your area or whenever a tornado threatens:

• IN HOMES OR SMALL BUILDINGS:
• Go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.

• IN CARS OR MOBILE HOMES:
• ABANDON THEM IMMEDIATELY!! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter.

• IF NO SUITABLE STRUCTURE IS NEARBY:
  Lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head.
    
• There are ditches along the sides of Red Bud Road.

Lightning Safety

Do you know what to do if you are caught in the open during a thunderstorm or you feel tingling or your hair standing on end?

Lightning causes around 100 deaths in the U.S. annually (more than hurricanes and tornadoes combined). Note that lightning can strike up to several miles away from the thunderstorm.

General lightning safety rules:

• WHEN INSIDE:
• Avoid using the telephone (except for emergencies) or other electrical appliances.
• Do not take a bath or shower.

• IF CAUGHT OUTDOORS:

• Go to a safe shelter immediately! such as inside a sturdy building. A hard top automobile with the windows up can also offer fair protection.
• If you are boating or swimming, get out of the water immediately and move to a safe shelter away from the water!
• If you are in a wooded area, seek shelter under a thick growth of relatively small trees.
• If you feel your hair standing on end, squat as shown in the diagram below with your head between your knees.Do not lie flat!
• Avoid: isolated trees or other tall objects, bodies of water, sheds, fences, convertible automobiles, tractors, and motorcycles.