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Home My Public Portal About140_010_thor guard UNIVERSITYOF 1507 Levante Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33146 September 3, 2009 Mr. Pat Bennett Territory Manager,Thor Guard Inc. 1193 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway Sunrise, FL 33323 RE: Thor Guard/GENS Systems Mr. Bennett: The University of Miami would like to thank you and Thor Guard Incorporated for working with us to develop a unique Emergency Alert system to complement our existing response plan. In the wake of the Virginia Tech shooting, it has been increasingly important to us to explore new ways to improve our emergency alert program. The GENS(Guardian Emergency Notification System) has been the perfect fit for our school's alert program by providing effective campus notification in a distinct, unique, and recognizable way. The genesis of this entire effort centered on your idea to adapt the existing Thor Guard Alert sirens for dual use as an emergency alert system. The University of Miami was happy to be involved as a test location for this innovative use of the Thor Guard Sirens. We have tested the system on three separate occasions as part of campus wide disaster/emergency alert drills. On all of these occasions (including this year), the system exceeded expectations and has now become an integral part of the University of Miami's Emergency Notification Network(ENN). The University of Miami is pleased to endorse the GENS program and will continue to use it as a part of the emergency response plans on our campuses. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss the system or how we have incorporated the system into our network. Thank you once again for your efforts and for the finished product. Sincerely, ezecin- tiNe/Yv - alienti Henry e Loss Control Manager Department of Risk Management University of Miami Department of Risk Management P.O. Box 248106 Coral Gables, Florida 33124-1437 Phone: 305-284-3163 Fax: 305-284-3163 March 14, 2000 Thor Guard, Inc. Mr. Robert M. Dugan, Executive V.P. 1193 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway Sunrise, FL 33323 Re: Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games—Thor Guard System Dear Mr. Dugan: I am writing this letter to confirm the use of your product during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. As you know, I served as the Manager of Safety and Loss Control for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) for four years. Although there were other safety and health professionals, such as local authorities, who were involved with the Olympic Games, I was the only person in that capacity working directly for and employed by ACOG. I reported directly to the CFO and indirectly to the COO and Director of Venues. In the planning stages for the Olympics we were very concerned about lightning at our outdoor venues. While we were in direct contact with the National Weather Service, we wanted every opportunity for early warning since evacuation timing for the large crowds was a concern. There were times during test events that we were under storm and lightning conditions even though the National Weather Service showed no storms in our area. We purchased the Thor Guard system for all of our outdoor venues to supplement our risk management efforts. In fact, I do not know of any other vendor that was utilized for any safety and loss control products other than Thor Guard I only heard positive comments from the venue managers on the use of the system at the venues. There are probably some things we would do differently if we were to hold the Olympic Games again tomorrow. However, I can assure you that the Thor Gnard system would still be in place at the outdoor venues based on the feedback I received from the venue managers. Please don't hesitate to give me a call if you require any more information relating to the use of the ThorGuard system at the 1996 Olympic Games. Sincerely, • Barry Donnelly, P.E. Former Manager of Safety and Loss Control - Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games iioR THOR GUARD Model L75 GUARD, INC. LIGHTNING PREDICTION SYSTEM THOR GUARD leads the world in the manufacture of lightning prediction and lightning warning systems. Since 1972, THOR GUARD has utilized our proprietary *lock atmospheric electrostatic analysis to produce a variety . ad W.ni.65Yne.. 11 .. f+.d"en - of lightning prediction systems to meet the technical — ENO:I_EVEI """'"` and budgetary demands of various customer groups. THOR GUARD's Model L75 is our first upgradeable MEND base prediction and warning system control center. YU�ENEN � Customers can now have an entry level system, auto- matic CHPN� .1� MOOELL1� or manual, capable of providing audible and vi- ,m••• sual warning for a single site. The L75 is fully upgrade- s able, so that at any time in the future, you can provide warning for remote locations up to 1 '/4 miles away. FEATURES • Easy to Read Large Blue Vacuum Fluorescent Display. • 40 segment "Energy Level" LED Display to show instantaneous energy migrations. • "Field Collapse Count" indicator shows lightning discharges during storm activity. • Unique "Activity Detector" displaying projected time until resumption of safe operations. • Instant Lightning Hazard Level (LHL) and Dynamic Index (DI) continuously displayed. • All Clear, Caution, Warning, Red Alert, each distinct warning level clearly displayed. • Multiple range options available for different geographic areas and user applications. • User adjustable Red Alert level for increased storm notification time. • Programmable sensor self-test every 24 hours at user selected time. • Separate Test key provided to manually verify sensor operation. • Connects to THOR GUARD's ThorPCX visual display and storm storage software. • Two (DB9) RS232 ports and 1 USB port to run THOR GUARD'S ThorPCX (Optional) • Two hazard levels of local audio alarm with user adjustable volume control. • Option provided for user to mute local audio during storms. • Auto / Manual mode manages alarms for monitored or unmonitored operations. • Option to manually sound All Clear or Red Alert alarm horns by user. • Self-powerd Internal Storm Buffer maintains recent storm times and hazard levels. • User-selectable hours of alarm operation or 24-hour continuous operation. • System diagnostics to facilitate and maintain correct operations. • Compact design and robust construction, sealed tactile feedback membrane panel. • Access to All Clear & Red Alert signal using dry closure contacts relay. • Wall or table mounting. • Interfaces with THOR GUARD WEATHER (Optional). • Optional software for use at Airport locations. • Can be upgraded to the THOR GUARD GUARDIAN EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM. SELECTED SPECIFICATIONS Models: L75T, L75B, L751, L75R Model Specifications: L75T Local Hazard Output,+12 Volt DC k �4 L75B Local THOR GUARD VOT Base Horn L751 2 Separate Dry Closure Relays L75R Local THOR GUARD VOT Base Horn & Remote Horns Safety Specification: TUV(NTRL),CE a:. 4I Power Requirement: Voltage: 120 Volts AC,60 Hz, Single Phase Power: .25A, 30 Watts Hyperstatic Sensor Power Supply: 3-Plug,Wall Mounted, Grounded 120 VAC, 60 Hz Dimensions:2.68"W x 2.19" D x 3.45" H Safety Specifications: UL,CSA Power Cord:6 ft. Weight: 1.5 Lbs. Console: Dimensions: 7.25" L x 8.75"W x 1.75" H • Weight: 2 Lbs. Hyperstatic Sensor: Dimensions: 16"W x 24" H • Weight: 8.0 Lbs. (Excluded Cable) —— Mounting: 1" Diameter Threaded Pipe VOT BD or Sensor Cable: West Penn 5992 (Optional Plenum Cable) VOT RC 3/8" Dia. Double Shielded Triaxial with Teflon Core Standard Lengths Available 75ft., 125ft., 150 ft. (200 ft. Max. Length) Vot Comm-Link Cable: West Penn ACQ 3186 UL Listed Nec Type CL3 (Optional Plenum Cable) 5/16" Dia.Shielded 6 Conductor PVC Jacket. Standard Lengths Available 75 ft., 125 ft., 150 ft. (200 ft. Max. Length) NOW. VOT Air Horn Cluster: Manufacture:THOR GUARD Material: Fiberglass; Dome& Horn Mounting Plate Weight: 13 Lbs.(Excludes Cable) VOT Horn Cable:General Cable 234600 12AWG (UL)Type TC-ER Sound Output: 113db @ l Oft., 700 Yard Radius,Typical Coverage Strobe Light: Manufacture:Whelen 51 Series(UL) Listed - -jar Dimensions: 3.90"H x 5.2 Dia.Weight: 1 Lb. �, Light Output: LED High Intensity Multi-Flash,Amber Cable:West Penn AQ224, 18AWG 2-Conductor - _ Length:Standard 12 ft.,40 ft. (Additional Lengths Available) I I RF Specifications: Frequency: 27.255MHZ FSK Power:4W and 12W LED Strobe Cable:Judd Wire C1401140, RG-58, UL,CL2 Light (Specifications&features subject to change without notice) THOR GUARD, Inc. 1193 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323 Tel (954) 835-0900 (888) 571-1212 Fax (954) 835-0808 E-mail: sales @thorguard.com www.thorguard.com REV 12.5 1I1OR THORGUARDIAN GUARD, INC. LIGHTNING PREDICTION SYSTEM The THORGUARDIAN is the first,totally integrated - advance warning system for lightning. The sensor j(ilarta. i continuously monitors the atmosphere's electrostatic energy as far away as 15 miles and evaluates the potential for lightning within an area approximately iiliw '', 2 miles in radius. When the system determines a hazardous condition, the air-horns and strobe light provide necessary alerts. . . r „ As a leader in lightning prediction, THOR GUARD has advanced its state of the art lightning prediction ' technology by the development of its propriety L125 - prediction computer.14{ The entire system can be easily installed outdoors +am, as a single unit, or the control box can be located separately.Under normal conditions,the air horns have ia range of approximately 700 yards, in a 360' pattern. iirh An external status LED indicates THORGUARDIAN is operational. FEATURES I '`. • THOR GUARD L125 lightning prediction computer. I : , • LCD provides immediate lightning/ system status. D O O O O 5 S O • • Sensor, Strobe, Air-horns, Mtg. Bar & Tripod included. - f • User - hours of operation, selectable by day. ;i ;� • 12 selectable ranges permits desired sensitivity. ov • Designed for continuous unattended operation. .0 • Automatic system status ensures timer operation. I", I Li I • •Automatic notification, both visual and audible, of i 111;E IMP 4 '4 "RED - ALERT" and "ALL - CLEAR" conditions. . am • Strobe light that remains on doming "RED ALERT". • AC Power (120V) or Optiona0 Soiar Power. „a, GUARD • RS232 port (DB9) allows interface to users computer POWER Ly„,nupinam.L:onO.GY....,C.A... SEMSOA providing data for THOR GUARD'sThorPCX(Optional) CO PO4I visual display and storm storage software. L„` G' AD MAY • Audible notification for low battery or test failure. ME MU C„.MLL ."nGE Per. M.urk MOOR Lav RESET • High performance long life rechargeable battery. LI 0 0 0 0 0 0 CI YODEL L%ZS SELECTED SPECIFICATIONS Models: THORGUARDIAN Power Requirement: Voltage: 120 Volts VAC,60 Hz, Single Phase in. )_ Power: .25A, 30 Watts"""' »Optional Solar Power Using 40 Watt Panel Power Supply: Wall Mounted Transformer, 120V, 60 Hz Safety Requirements: UL, CSA,VDE Power Cord: UL, CSA, SJT 6 Ft. Grounded AC Protection:Circuit Breaker/Switch Enclosure Control Box: Dimensions: 13"W x 6 1/2"D x 15 1/4"H Hyperstatic Safety Requirements: UL,CSA,Type 4X Sensor Material: Sealed Gray Fiberglass Enclosure Weight:26 Lbs. Model L 125 THOR GUARD: Dimensions: 7.325"W x 6"D x 1.5'H Power: 12V DC(Supplied by System Battery) Safety Requirements: FCC Part, 15 Class B -- Hyperstatic Sensor: Dimensions: 16"W x 24"H Weight: 8.0 Lbs. (Excluded Cable) Mounting: 1" Diameter Threaded Pipe 01.011) VOT Horn Sensor Cable: West Penn 5992 (Optional Plenum Cable) 3/8" Dia. Double Shielded Triaxial with Teflon Core Standard Lengths Available 75ft., 125ft., 150 ft. (200 ft.Max. Length) VOT Air Horn Cluster: Dimensions: 19"W x 14.5"H Material: Fiberglass; Dome& Horn Mounting Plate Weight: 13 Lbs. (Excludes Cable) Cable: General Cable 234600 12AWG (UL)Type TC-ER Sound Output: 113db @ 10ft., 700 Yard Radius,Typical Coverage Power: 12VDC,(Supplied By System Battery) Strobe Light: Manufacture:Whelen 51 Series(UL) Listed Dimensions: 3.90"H x 5.2" Dia. • Light Output: LED High Intensity Multi-Flash,Amber Cable:West Penn AQ224, 18AWG 2-Conductor - Length:Standard 12 ft.,40 ft. (Additional Lengths Available) r; Weight: 1 Lb. LED Strobe (Specifications&features subject to change without notice) Light THOR GUARD, Inc. 1193 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323 Tel (954) 835-0900 (888) 571-1212 Fax (954) 835-0808 E-mail: sales @thorguard.com www.thorguard.com REV 12.5 ThorPCX Software Suite Severe weather conditions can happen quickly. Are you prepared? THOR GUARD lightning prediction systems are designed to predict lightning in your local area BEFORE lightning strikes, allowing decisions regarding dangerous situations to be proactive, not reactive. Our goal is to increase productivity and maximize safety by providing our customers with critical, timely lightning warning information in an easy-to-use format. ThorPCX is a Microsoft Windows-based service software product that imports,manages, and displays THOR GUARD lightning prediction data from your locally installed THOR GUARD system. All of the display tools described below are included with your purchase of the ThorPCX Software Suite. ThorPCX Software •• Auto matic email and text alerts• Output data to included display tools • Archive and review storm data • Generate Emergency Alerts ThorViewer• View critical THOR GUARD data at your PC• Installs on Windows PCs that reside on the same LAN as ThorPCX ,o "„�” �;" .Ma, • Audible alerts to your PC speakers - ThorMobile--NEW FOR 2013! • Access data from most mobile devices • Includes NWS radar and NWS warnings __ THOR__ :2 RADAR • • No client apps or software to install a� • �; '4;Y.,, • See separate brochure for more details on this new 11; • # ': and exciting product a. THOR GUARD Weather Desktop ,,, . • Local conditions,local/regional radar,NWS watches and warnings on a Windows-based PC • Integrated display of your local THOR GUARD data SG'f 61 F ThorWeb - • Integrate your 61 R THOR GUARD 0- , : data into your 54 F r'��R"� 4'- `+ website S., .'.` .-.. 4' ..........�oc �...... • Available for one or '' multiple THOR spy GUARD systems 11111 Website: www.thorguard.comisoftware.htm Email: support a' ho rguardweather.com THOR GUARD Software Product Overview January 1, 2013 ThorPCX Software Suite ThorPCX remains the flagship software product for THOR GUARD lightning prediction data management. ThorPCX 3.0 is a WINDOWS-based software product that runs as a Service within the WINDOWS .NET framework. ThorPCX can import and display data from a single sensor and/or from multiple sensors. ThorPCX allows the customer to archive storm data, send email and text alerts, and generate GENS emergency alerts. The most useful feature of ThorPCX is its ability to make lightning prediction data available for viewing to various display products. These products are outlined below and are included in base price of ThorPCX (excluding ThorMap). ThorViewer ThorViewer is a display product that allows you to view the data from up to 4 sensors on the PC running ThorPCX and on remote Windows PCs or laptops located on the same Local Area Network (LAN). An audible alert can played through the PC's speakers when a threat is detected. The ThorViewer application utilizes a TCP/IP connection back to the host PC running ThorPCX and must be loaded on each remote PC/laptop in order to view the data. ThorMobile ThorMobile is a web-based product that runs on a customer's web server, or on a 3rd party web-hosting server (www.GoDaddy.com, for example), allowing you to view real-time THOR GUARD lightning prediction data, along with NWS local radar and pertinent NWS severe weather warnings, simply by browsing to a web address. This is not an application (App) which must be downloaded and installed on EVERY device; instead, viewing your THOR GUARD data is as simple as browsing to a web link (URL). ThorMobile provides a centrally managed solution for support staff that is compatible with all standard Internet-enabled devices. ThorWeb ThorWeb is a web-based product that allows a customer to display THOR GUARD sensor data on an internal or external (public) web page. The advantage of this product over ThorViewer is that the data is located on a webpage (URL), so there is no need for an application to be loaded on each remote computer that needs access to the THOR GUARD data. Thor Guard Weather Desktop Provides a real-time display of weather information to a Windows PC/laptop including: local conditions, local and regional forecasts, local and regional radar, and radar-displayed NWS Watches and Warnings. THOR GUARD Weather Desktop is free for the first year with purchase of ThorPCX. A single THOR GUARD sensor can be integrated into the Weather Desktop display. ThorMap ThorMap is a web-based display product that allows you to integrate multiple THOR GUARD Sensors on a fully customizable map of your location. ThorMap utilizes the reliability of a TCP/IP connection back to the host PC or server that is running the ThorPCX software. Access to the display is made via a web address (URL) and can be set up for universal viewing on all Internet web browsers that are compatible with Microsoft Silverlight, so there is no need for software to be loaded on every computer that needs access to the data. This is a popular product for mining, municipalities, schools, and park districts that want to see the sensor data over a geographic area. .. _ ThorMobile Provided by THOR GUARD, the leader in lightning prediction. Your window into severe weather. • View your THOR GUARD sensor data on a map with N1/VS radar and warnings. • Works with your iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet, PC, iMac, and most THOR RADAR other Internet devices. ,V • _ • . - •, • Centrally managed on ��, - . ,1 your website with no • 11:' . - ' client apps or • f t •'k'' �'`1 f n 1 software to install. THOR • Not another top ........ �r • yry�`$: 4 Cietral H3 •.40:/` c heavy weather "E ::�r. , . . Pair Good ftato; 4:- t •• ! application with ► «',. ' . r options you do not C,ixx,,I� :e�:.�'•need and will never P iftiminsaid. RED ALERT '"' Baginiam 10A,AM CST Wed Feb OA use. Hw`.WO!.3,l,, n ti•_v:.,.. ■ •Just point your device's web browser to a web link for a quick, AD concise weather 3.0 7 16 tool. • Coverage for your area, where you need it. View all THOR GUARD software on our website: http:llwww.thorguard.comisoftware.htm Email us for more information: support@thorguardweather.corn How ThorMobile Works What is ThorMobile? ThorMobile is a web-based viewing tool that resides on your website and provides you with a method to display your THOR GUARD sensor data on most smartphones and mobile devices. Will ThorMobile work on my website? If your web server has FTP access,then you can use ThorMobile. Most all third-party websites,like "GoDaddy.coni"for instance,provide FTP access. If you host your own website,you need to have permission to write a data file into a "web-hosted" folder on that website. What devices can view ThorMobile? You can use iPhones, iPads,Android phones and tablets,Windows PCs,Macs,and most any other Internet-connected devices to view your THOR GUARD data with ThorMobile. What software must be installed to use ThorMobile? A. You will need to install the ThorPCX software on a Windows PC that is receiving data from your THOR GUARD system. ThorPCX writes a file to your web server that ThorMobile will then be able to read and display to your Internet-connected device. B. The end-user does not need to install any software or apps to view ThorMobile. The web browser that is already built into your device is all you need. Just point to the URL(web link)for your ThorMobile display and start viewing your data. rTh 7 D89 senal ride `�s''''''''.--- In Thor Guard Moxa NPort ,i , Unit data-forwarder , el, : \ 1 089 sera'obi ‘S 1 Q �P�,a�� , r,� ��f_ .. Ufs(vi6 / Pess* LAN ThorPCX Internet (Windows PC) a d+bct writ •eastOanet actin we pro Web Server _ — w/ThorMobilc HOR GUARD, INC. GUARDIAN EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM Guardian Emergency Notification System can be purchased as Guardian Emergency Notificaton System a stand alone warning system to automatically activate a unique By HOR one minute audible emergency horn aUarm while also activating GUARD, INC. visible strobe lights. The customer may also wish to integrate Guardian Emergency Notification System with our THOR GUARD lightning prediction system. This can be accomplished easily and economically. C(AD rim Whether it's an unexpected campus emergency or a dangerous lightning threat, THOR GUARD has provided an affordable option. th additoon to the hardware options of the Guardian Emergency Notification System, ThorPCX software provides an expanded menu of warning options, such as automatic e-mail alert messaging. THOR GUARD has more than 32 years of experience with emergency warning products. We are the largest manufacturer of lightning prediction and warning systems in the world. Because of our industry-leading position, we have the advantage of developing and testing state-of-the-art products, in-house. In combinatoon or separately, the Guardian Emergency Notification System or THOR GUARD lightning warning products offer an affordable safety solution. FEATURES • Emergency Notification available in the THOR GUARD L75B or L75R, with lightning prediction software. • L75E (Emergency Notification Only) systems include a lockable steel enclosure. • All L75 Emergency Notification alerts are accessible through key lock box, which provides access to L75 Emergency-related software for added security. • ThorPCX software will include a special Emergency Notification software/communication selection section. • Three preset emergency conditions: Chemical ,Nuclear, Personnel • Additional four customer-related conditions • Customer E-mail and text messaging - programmable for each emergency condition. • Software designed to work with the customer's existing intranet of network. • Notification via Voice of THOR Horns preset to 1 minute blast duration: 1/2 second on, 1/2 seconds off. • Notification available with lightning warning horns or as Emergency Notification horns only. • Blue or red strobe lights available with Emergency Notification horns only. • Remote notification Voice of THOR units available with solar charging. Remotes are controlled via digitally encoded RF. • All remotes available with strobe lights. SELECTED SPECIFICATIONS Models: Emergency Notification with L75R or L75B, L75E Model Specifications: L75R Local THOR GUARD VOT Base Horn & Remote Horns(Enclosure Optional) L75B Local THOR GUARD VOT Base Horn(Enclosure Optional) L75E Emergency Notification Only. (Enclosure Included) Safety Specification: TOV(NTRL),CE Power Requirement: Voltage: 120 Volts AC, 60 Hz,Single Phase Power: .25A,30 Watts Hyperstatic Power Supply: 3-Plug,Wall Mounted,Grounded Sensor 120 VAC, 60 Hz Dimensions: 2.68"W x 2.19"D x 3.45" H Safety Specifications: UL,CSA Power Cord:6 ft. Weight: 1.5 Lbs. Console: Dimensions: 7.25" L x 8.75"W x 1.75"H Weight: 2 Lbs. • • Hyperstatic Sensor: Dimensions: 16"W x 24" H VOT BD Weight: 8.0 Lbs. (Excluded Cable) or Mounting: 1" Diameter Threaded Pipe VOT RC Sensor Cable: West Penn 5992 (Optional Plenum Cable) 11.111N"."4 '"° 3/8" Dia. Double Shielded Triaxial with Teflon Core f,-` Standard Lengths Available 75ft., 125ft., 150 ft. (200 ft. Max. Length) WOO. Vot Comm-Link Cable: West Penn ACQ 3186 UL Listed Nec Type CL3 (Optional Plenum Cable) 5/16" Dia. Shielded 6 Conductor PVC Jacket. VOT Horn Standard Lengths Available 75 ft., 125 ft., 150 ft. (200 ft. Max. Length) VOT Air Horn Cluster: Manufacture:THOR GUARD Material: Fiberglass; Dome& Horn Mounting Plate Weight: 13 Lbs. (Excludes Cable) % i Cable:General Cable 234600 12AWG(UL)Type TC-ER „s Sound Output: 1 13db @ l Oft.,700 Yard Radius,Typical Coverage i 3 Strobe Light: Manufacture:Whelen 51 Series(UL) Listed LED Strobe (Included) Dimensions: 3.90"H x 5.2" Dia.Weight: 1 Lb. Light Light Output: LED High Intensity Multi-Flash,Amber Cable:West Penn AQ224, 18AWG 2-Conductor Length:Standard 12 ft.,40 ft. (Additional Lengths Available) , -- • RF Specifications: Frequency:27.255MHZ FSK y Power:4W and 12W Cable:Judd Wire C1401140, RG-58, UL,CL2 (Specifications&features subject to change without notice) L75 Guardian Emergency Notification System THOR GUARD, Inc. 1193 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323 Tel (954) 835-0900 (888) 571-1212 Fax (954) 835-0808 E-mail: sales @thorguard.com www.thorguard.com REV 12.5 111-1:1-1- rI3i 0 0 iTi111.1111;[�RESOURCEFOR IIiIa#�iE31�l iI l;IPROFESSIONALS OCTOBER Bolts From the Blue Some form of lightning prediction or detection is better than none, experts say. Robert Esmail didn't know what hit him.One second,the 48-year-old was walking with his friend Steve Plutz on Elgin, Ill.'s Wing Park Golf Course; the next, he was abruptly thrown back by a deadly bolt of lightning. No bright flash. No sharp crack. Amazingly, Esmail remained conscious during the entire unllpillin F ►" June 2 episode and later told the Chicago Tribune that the strike felt like a blow to the chest from either a base- ball bat or a linebacker. The bolt entered his right hip, where it left a three-inch-long "red and raw" mark, and exited his body via his foot.Plutz,who also was struck,died two days later from injuries to his brain,heart and lungs. "It doesn't always take a tragedy to get officials to move: unfortunately, it takes a tragedy and a lawsuit," says Bob The incident, which occurred on city-owned property, Dugan, president of Sunrise, Fla.-based Thor Guard, the prompted Elgin municipal leaders to reconfigure their only manufacturer currently producing a lightning pre- priorities and move the planned installation of lightning diction system that identifies electrostatic energy condi- prediction systems to the top of their to-do list. By mid tions conducive to lightning activity and emits an instant July, the city council approved spending $65,000 for warning. According to Dugan, facility operators are lightning prediction devices at The Highlands and Wing Park golf courses,as well as popular Lords Park. "A long often under the false impression that if they don't have blast signals that people should take cover. A series of any sort of protection, they can't be sued in the event of shorter blasts signals an all-clear," parks and recreation a strike. But the suits keep coming, and so do the dam director Randy Reopelle told the Tribune. "We're going ages. "Most of those suits are settled out of court in favor to have to implement an education program to train peo- of the plaintiff," he says. "Relying on the ?act of God' ple how to react." defense doesn't work." Lightning education has been a goal of outdoor sports Lightning, weather's most dangerous and frequently and recreation administrators for the past decade, ever encountered hazard, caused almost 500 deaths in the since Park Ridge, Ill., located 27 miles from Elgin, United States between 1995 and 2004—but fewer annu- became the first community in the country to introduce al fatalities have been reported in recent years, according lightning prediction technology to parks in 1997. That to the National Weather Service and the National initial $49,000 investment came after 20-year-old Scott Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. By compari- Wade was struck by lightning while officiating a youth son, lightning struck and killed more than 3,235 individ- soccer game. uals between 1959 and 1994. Nowhere is lightning more prone to strike in the United The Georgia High School Association recently mandat- States than Florida, which the U.S. National Lightning ed that all 402 member schools provide at least handheld Detection Network lists as having the most lightning devices for all outdoor activities during the 2006-07 flashes per square mile. That's one reason why Brevard school year, and some principals and athletic directors Public Schools in Viera, Fla., spent a reported $350,000 have upgraded to permanent systems instead. Schools during the summer to install lightning prediction systems were asked to determine how many handheld units they at all middle schools, high schools and athletic fields in needed(typically at least two or three)and find their own the district-17 sites in all. funding sources, says Gary Phillips, the GHSA's assis- Meanwhile, on the other side of Florida's Lake tant executive director. The association also purchased Okeechobee, the Broward County Parks and Recreation 14 handheld devices for use by its staffers at state tour- Division installed lightning prediction devices at six naments and other events. parks in 2005 and dedicated more than $92,000 to install systems at seven additional parks this year.The county is Phillips says the idea to equip schools with some sort of no stranger to lightning-related fatalities:On July 20,38- protection stems from the 2004 boys'state track and field year-old Edward Hidalgo was riding an ATV in the championships at Jefferson High School. When nasty Everglades when he became the ninth person since 1993 storms moved in that May weekend, lightning struck a to be felled by a lightning bolt within Broward County's transformer that exploded into a ball of fire and plum- borders.And the Broward County School District—fol- meted to the ground, injuring several spectators and lowing the October 2005 death of 15-year-old Monarch burning the hair off one coach's arm. "Here we were, High School junior varsity football player Schaffner asking schools to host all of these tournaments and out- Noel as his team took shelter during a game delay—was door activities, but we weren't helping them prepare for among the first organizations in the nation to subscribe sudden weather changes," Phillips says. "We needed to to Weatherbug?, a provider of live local weather condi- do that. It's a minor imposition that in the end will make tions via the Internet and mobile communications venues safer for everybody." devices. It's not too early for facility operators to begin thinking Although grant money from various sources can be about next spring and how best to arm themselves—and applied to the purchase of a lightning prediction system, the individuals responsible for overseeing athletic and which generally sells for between $6,000 and $9,000, recreation events—against Mother Nature's electrical Weatherbug and similar services such as WeatherData? whims. Some form of detection or prediction is better provide some degree of protection for schools and other than none, experts say,because today's systems can alert organizations unable to make major financial commit- people in charge of games, practices and other outdoor ments to weather safety. Plus, unlike lightning-specific recreation activities to lightning threats not visible to the equipment,the latter services alert subscribers to all vari- human eye.As Dugan warns, "Just because you don't see eties of pending weather emergencies—from blizzards to lightning doesn't mean it's safe." tornadoes. Just ask Robert Esmail. Other lower-cost alternatives are handheld lightning detection devices such as SkyScan? and ThunderBolt?, Michael Popke which range in price from around $100 to $500 each. Whereas lightning prediction systems assess atmospher- ic conditions likely to produce future lightning strikes within a given area, handheld detection units pinpoint where lightning strikes have occurred within a predeter- mined radius and estimate their range, approach speed, time of arrival and severity. IHOR GUARD integrated Lightning Prediction and Warning Systems ThorGuard Customer SEA p09 Sports Networks Schools & UniveTzifiez ABC Sports University of Miami CBS Sports Georgia Tech NBC Sports Georgia High School Association ESPN Penn State University FOX Sports Texas A&M University Clemson University kw/a Orr.anizations Texas Christian University University of New Mexico PGA of America University of South Carolina LPGA Tour University of Georgia United States Golf Association Georgia Southern University Little League Baseball® Collier County School System New York Giants Spartanburg County Schools Jacksonville Jaguars MISBO Schools Carolina Panthers Cleveland Browns Airports &Airlines Hendrick Motorsports Delta Airlines OCVSF171171 eug Agencies United Airlines American Airlines Department of Homeland Security Continental Airlines Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Federal Express ATF National Academy Ft. 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A."- ... __.---- _ — -..--.-2,411. - .........0:10.Z.....r2.i,;?'-'•'' e .: - .„........._ .- — 'P:' 40.011110.7 .."''' - ...- B r e a k t h r o u g h School Wrap - ups • Merchant Marine Act • Volunteer Protection I N N O V A T I O N S Li htnin Prediction Instant Benefits One year after the deadly bolt struck John Scott Wade,the new system was installed and dedi- S^ T S T Ives less cated th n his memory.oura Ironically,t eally, d V Lives` less than two hours after the ded- ication of the system,on June 20 of this year,the warning alarm was activated at Hinkley Park, BY S T E V E N K MEYER interrupting organized baseball and volleyball games. Baseball officials and park district staff ALI1"1 LE MORE THAN ONE , ,I ering all parks,schools and play- cleared the fields and courts as year ago,a tragic acci- ing fields. instructed.Ten minutes later, dent occurred on a soccer lightning stuck the middle of the field at Northeast Park in the • 4 . . Decisions and Dollars baseball diamond,knocking out Park Ridge Recreation and Park ---- Matters of zones,times of opera- a light pole and an irrigation District.After a short rain delay T tion,testing,noise levels and system.One boy who cleared the in the game,the skies started Master Alarm Control (MAC) installation procedures needed to baseball diamond said he felt the clearing and a referee decided to be worked out.The special pro- lightning from where he sought resume play.A rogue lightening jects technician for the parks shelter. bolt—some called it a"bolt out department became the district Had the warning signal not of the blue"—struck a young and in the air.Lightning is created liaison and worked on coordinat- been activated,had the system man named John Scott Wade. within the earth's invisible electro- ing installation. not been operational,would CPR and quick medical atten- static atmosphere.The charges, tion couldn't.save him. which are invisible to the naked Four groups,the Park Ridge eye,always build prior to lightning Recreation and Park District, occurrences.When conditions i n e t y-s e v e n Youth Baseball,Indian Scouts indicate that lightning is probable, and the Park Ridge Rotary Club, a signal is sent to horns which percent of the time when the alarm system is formed a committee in an effort sound an eight-to-12-minute to minimize lightening-related warning to clear the area and seek activated, lightning is v i s i b l e within 15 injuries.Research on available shelter.Ninety-seven percent of the lightning detection and predic- time when the alarm system is acti- tion systems led them to a vated,lightning is visible within 15 to 30 minutes. system used at the Atlanta to 30 minutes.Other times light- Olympic Games and on golf ning is extremely probable.An all- The system would cover 18 there have been another tragic courses nationwide. clear signal announces when it's park and school sites in three event?Three people were injured safe to return to the area. zones.The committee decided and one killed by lightning that Citywide Protection Although the company had the system should be operational night in the Chicago area. Committee members quickly con- never taken on a project of this from 8 a.m.to 11 p.m.on a Thankfully,due to the foresight curred that the Thor Guard system magnitude,Park Ridge agreed to daily basis from April to Novem- and planning of the committee was the best solution for Park be the first to test a city- bet with horns and systems to be and the generous donations from Ridge.The system consists of wide lightning predic- tested monthly during the opera- the community,no one in Park sensors that measur- tion system tional period. Ridge was injured. • electrostatic coy- The committee also began charges at 4' - fund raising efforts to cover the Steven K.Meyer is director of the ground , , projected cost of$55,000.Sup- Park Ridge Recreation and Park level port for the system was citywide. District in Park Ridge,Ill.Donations came from youth and adult sports teams,school dis- tricts and PTOs,service organizations,local z . j `'" T • hospitals,the c United Way and the city itself. o 0 i - e. Remote horn cluster. NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 1997 PUBLIC RISK 29