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City Installs New Lightning Detection Systems in Parks

NEWS FROM O’FALLON CITY HALL FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Posted on: June 28, 2018 - 9:30am

O’Fallon, Illinois – To help improve safety, the City of O’Fallon has added two lightning detection systems at the O’Fallon Family Sports Park and Community Park. The lightning detection systems will set off a siren and strobe light when lightning is in the area.

“These new lightning detection systems will help us better warn our park users of nearby lightning,” said Mayor Herb Roach. “When the sirens and lights activate, please move to a safe area, it is for your safety. The system will give an all clear notice when the warning has passed.”

The following process is the new procedure for weather safety within the O’Fallon Parks:

  • When lightning is nearby, a siren will sound for 15 seconds as an initial warning and a strobe light will begin to flash.
  • When the siren goes off, park users should move to a safe and covered area.
  • A 20-minute countdown clock will begin once the last lightning strike is detected. With each detected lightning strike, the countdown clock restarts.
  • After 20 minutes with no detected lightning strikes, the strobe light will stop and three, five-second siren blasts will signify the area is clear of lightning strikes.

The detection system in the Family Sports Park is located on top of Pavilion #3, which is near the Splash Pad. The detection system in the Community Park is located on top of pavilion #4, which is near the Memorial Pool.

The lightning detection system is programmed to not activate sirens or strobe lights during nighttime hours. No sirens or strobe lights will be activated typically between 10:30 p.m. and 7:45 a.m.

 

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Kristen Pelley at 618-624-0139 or email at [email protected].