Palatine parks lightning detection system starts March 1

The Palatine Park District will begin using a lightning detection system in its parks, pools, golf course and stables starting March 1.

Each day, warning sirens and strobe lights will be active between 6 a.m.-10:45 p.m. in Birchwood Park, Birchwood South, Cardinal Park, Celtic Park, Community Park, Eagle Park, Falcon Park, Finch Park, Tom T. Hamilton Reservoir, Juniper Park, Doug Lindberg Park, Maple Park, Oak Park, Osage Park, Ost Field, Palatine Hills, Palatine Stables, Plum Grove Reservoir, Sycamore Park, The Grove, Towne Square and Willowwood Park.

The Strike Guard Early Warning System detects and tracks lightning strikes within 20 miles, including which direction a storm is moving and how fast. The WAVE siren and strobes will provide notice when a storm heading our way is within 10 miles.

When actual lightning strikes have been detected within the warning area, notice to take shelter is provided. One long, 15-second siren will sound and a strobe will flash on the unit. After the Strike Guard System determines conditions are safe, (20 minutes of no lightning) the siren will sound three 5-second intermittent blasts and the strobe will go off, providing notice that it is safe to resume activity in this area.

Sirens and strobes will not go off when the parks are closed for the evenings or during winter months.

The best shelter from lightning is to be inside a substantial building. Avoid car ports, porches, garages, sheds, tents, baseball dugouts or under bleachers.

If no substantial shelter is available, then seek refuge in a hard topped vehicle, with the windows up. Stay away from trees, electrical poles, or other tall objects.

Do not lie flat on the ground. Crouch down on the balls of your feet to create the lowest profile.

You can hear the sirens on the Palatine Park District website. For more information, contact Keith Williams, superintendent of recreation, (847) 496-6232 or email kwilliams@palatineparks.org.