by
posted 05/10/2007
WCWAA Parents, Players, Coaches, Umpires and spectators;
Because of the high incidence of severe lightning storms in our area of North Carolina, the Wesley Chapel-Weddington Athletic Association (WCWAA) has installed a “Lightning Prediction and Warning System”. The unit is mounted to the roof of the Babe Ruth baseball field scorebox. This system is manufactured by Thor-Guard Inc. and similar systems are installed in golf courses, parks and stadium. The system continuously monitors the atmosphere’s electrostatic energy as far away as 15 miles and evaluates the potential for lightning within an area of approximately 2 miles in radius.
When the system determines a hazardous condition, the air-horns and strobe light provide alerts. A single 15 second long blast from the horn will signal suspension of ALL activities at Optimist Park. An intense strobe light will begin flashing and remain flashing until safe conditions occur. When this happens EVERYONE should immediately go their car or a safe building. No one should remain on the field or in a dugout!
The system will continue to monitor the storm and track it as it moves away. When conditions are safe, you will hear three short 5 second long blasts from the horn and the light will stop flashing.
Several notes:
1. This system has many adjustments. The detection range is currently set to the “default” This may mean that initially, the horn could sound too early or too late. We will fine tune the system after the first few storms. But, DO NOT ignore the warnings!
2. Coaches. When the horn sounds you must immediately stop all activities and send your players to their cars or a building. Do not stay in the dugout. Failure to follow these rules will result in a suspension of coaching privileges.
3. If you have concerns or questions, please contact Dave Arone 704-846-4974
WCWAA setting the standard for safety of our members.
