What To Avoid When There is Lightning:
- open areas
- water
- tall trees
- metal fences
- overhead wires/power lines
- elevated ground
- golf carts
- mowers
- radios
- cellular phones
Lightning Prediction Systems - Westerville
These lightning systems give park patrons 8 to 20 minutes advance notice of the possibility of lightning in the area. A lightning prediction sensor, located on top of Antrim Pavilion at Heritage Park, monitors the potential for lightning strikes within a 2.5 mile radius (5 mile diameter).
When there is the possibility of lightning, one continuous horn burst is sounded, at each park listed above, warning park patrons to take shelter. All organized activities (ie soccer games) must be stopped immediately.
Flashing strobe lights remain on to alert someone who has just arrived ... and for the hearing impaired. Once conditions change and the storm moves on, an "all clear" is signaled by 3 short blasts ... and the strobe lights turn off.
What To Do When You Hear The Horn Blast:
- Cease all outdoor activities immediately
- Seek shelter in a nearby building, automobile, or truck
- If one of the above is not available, seek dense woods or low lying areas.
The system is fully operational from April through Novmber, dawn to dusk. A test of the system is performed on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm.
This information is a partial advisory from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). For complete information about the lightning warning system, please contact Andy Boatright, Electric Utility Manager, City of Westerville.
