The Perry Weather lightning detection system utilizes a national detection network with a vast network of sensors to triangulate the exact location, type (cloud-to-ground or cloud-to-cloud), and intensity of a strike in real-time. This type of sensor ensures that alerts are triggered by confirmed strikes, not just atmospheric interference.
When a strike is detected, the cloud-based system triggers the sirens and mobile notifications in under 15 seconds. The coverage area is a radius of 5 miles.
Park and Facility Locations
Perry Weather lightning detection is located at the following parks and facilities:
- Berens Park
- Butterfield Park
- Canine Corner
- Eldridge Park
- Plunkett Park
- Sugar Creek Golf Course
Operating Hours
- November 1 to March 31: Monday-Friday 3:30pm-11pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am-11 pm
- April 1 to September 30: Sunday-Saturday from 7am-11pm.
How it Works
When lightning is sighted or thunder is heard, or when the District’s lightning detection system sounds, all outdoor activities should cease at all locations, including any outdoor park, both outdoor pools and the Sugar Creek Golf Course. In addition, patrons should seek shelter immediately.
Warning Siren
In parks where Perry Weather lightning detection is located, a warning siren will sound with an uninterrupted 10-second blast, and a strobe light will turn on when there is the potential for a lightning strike within the coverage area. Upon hearing this signal, patrons must immediately seek appropriate shelter.
- Patrons should seek shelter inside their vehicles or within a lightning protected building.
- Patrons should avoid trees, picnic shelters, fences, bicycles, or any other metal objects.
- Patrons should stay out of outdoor pools.
- Patrons should avoid using electrical appliances, including telephones.
- If hair is or is about to stand on end, drop to knees and place hands on knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.
Activities should not resume until at least 30 minutes after the last sighting of lightning or sound of thunder, or the lightning detection system has sounded an all clear (in locations equipped with the lightning detection system).
All Clear Signal
When the system senses that conditions are safe, the siren will sound three short 5-second blasts, and the strobe light will turn off. This siren signals that normal activity may resume.
It is important to remember that even if the lightning detection system does not sound, weather conditions are threatening, good judgment should prevail, and patrons should seek appropriate shelter.
Individuals not obeying the warning siren do so at their own risk.
