By Trey Reeves, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator
The only thing predictable about Texas weather is its unpredictability. Pleasant spring and summer days can quickly turn into thunderstorms, bringing unexpected rain, wind, hail, and dangerous lightning.
Lightning Safety Awareness Week is an ideal time to raise awareness of the dangers of lightning strikes and offer common-sense safety tips for outdoor activities.
Thankfully, the Parks and Recreation Department has lightning detection systems installed at Bee Creek Park, Brian Bachmann Community Park, Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, Lick Creek Park, Veterans Park & Athletic Complex, Wayne Smith Ball Fields, and Wolf Pen Creek Park.
The Earth Networks Outdoor Alert System’s lightning detection capabilities and timely notifications are essential in keeping park visitors informed and safe when hazardous weather approaches. The system detects lightning strikes within a 10-mile radius and alerts park users with one 15-second horn blast and a continually flashing strobe, which means all activities should stop and you should seek shelter immediately.
The online system sets a 30-minute warning period after the first detection and resets to 30 minutes after each additional strike. When the system receives the all-clear, the horn issues three five-second blasts, and the flashing light stops.
No system is fail-proof, so always assess weather conditions before going outside and be prepared to take appropriate actions to ensure safety. Data for lightning events at College Station parks equipped with the alert system is available at cstx.gov/lightning.
Athletic program officials monitor weather conditions and determine when to suspend activities. When officials are absent, coaches and parents decide the course of action.
Here are more lightning safety tips:
- Establish a chain of command that identifies who can remove individuals from the field.
- Designate a weather watcher to actively look for signs of threatening weather and notify the chain of command if a dangerous storm approaches.
- Monitor weather forecasts and warnings online or through local television and radio stations.
- If you see a lightning flash and hear thunder within 30 seconds or see a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt, the storm is close enough for lightning to threaten your location. Suspend play immediately and seek shelter.
- Enclosed buildings and automobiles are suggested shelters in parks. If a safe structure is unavailable, you are encouraged to leave the site.
- Avoid being near the highest point in an open field or on open water. Don’t seek shelter near trees, flagpoles, or light poles.
Awareness and preparation are vital in keeping you and your family safe to play another day.
About the Blogger
Trey Reeves is in his first year as the marketing coordinator for Parks and Recreation. He previously was the marketing coordinator at Family Compass in Dallas and Camp Blessing in Brenham. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Texas A&M in 2018.
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