The Conquistadors take participant safety very seriously. We strive to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our members and pledge to protect them from threats both internal and external.

Scroll to view and our various policies as they relate to safety.

Heat Index Protocol
ADOPTED FROM THE NEW YORK STATE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (Effective 1/1/2026)
Administration of Heat Index Protocol:
Feels Like Temperature (Heat Index) or THI using a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Indicator (chart available through corps staff) on the event space will be checked 1 hour before the event by a group designee when the air temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Download the WeatherBug app or login to weatherbug.com. Group may also use a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Indicator (chart available through corps staff) on the space that will be used.
Enter zip code or city and state in the location section of the app or online or determine the THI by using a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Indicator.
If the Feels Like temperature (heat index) or the WBGTI is in the recommended range (yellow for WeatherBug or green, yellow, orange, red for WBGT), the group designee will re-check the heat index or WBGTI at the midway point of the event. If the heat index or WBGTI is in the required range (red for WeatherBug or black for WBGT), the event will be suspended.

Thunder and Lightning Protocol
ADOPTED FROM THE NEW YORK STATE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (Effective 1/1/2026)
Applies to all outside rehearsal, performances, or competitions:
1) Thunder and lightning necessitates that events be suspended. The occurrence of thunder and/or lightning is not subject to interpretation or discussion – thunder is thunder, lightning is lightning. Group administration will set up a plan for shelter prior to the start of any outdoor event.
2) When thunder is heard and/or when lightning is seen, the following procedures should be adhered to:
a) Suspend activity and direct participants to immediately drop equipment and go to shelter, a building normally occupied by the public or if a building is unavailable, participants should go inside a vehicle with a solid metal top (e.g. bus, van, car).
b) Do not permit people to stand under or near a tree; and have all stay away from poles, antennas, towers, and underground watering systems.
c) After thunder and/or lightning have left the area, wait 30 minutes after the last boom is heard or strike is seen before resuming activity.

Tornado Protocol
ADOPTED FROM THE NEW YORK STATE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (Effective 1/1/2026)
Definitions:
Tornado Watch – Indicates tornados are possible. Event staff must continue to monitor the situation.
Tornado Warning – Tornado siren sounds (including NWS phone alerts) signaling tornado sighted or tornado indicated by radar.

Guidelines/Procedures:
If a tornado warning is initiated, immediate event delay shall be implemented, and all participants, spectators, volunteers, and staff shall seek shelter immediately. Once inside a secure location, tune to local weather alert radio to be informed of the storm location, path, and duration of tornado warning.
Warning may be extended, or a new warning issued at any time, so continue to monitor.
Safe shelter from tornado inside lowest building level, away from exterior walls/windows, with windows closed.
All Clear – tornado warning will expire after duration specified by the National Weather Service and the director or designee will notify all involved that the warning has ended, and event may resume.

Do you need to report a member safety concern? Email: compliance@conquistadorsdbc.org