Northside Christian School Installs Advanced Warning Lightning Detection Technology

Florida has been referred to as the, "Lightning Capital of the World" and for good reason. Upward of a million lightning strikes are recorded in the state of Florida each year. In light of this, NCS has installed a state-of-the-art advanced warning lightning detection system.

Earth Networks-WeatherBug Total Lightning is the new standard for detection and alerting to provide unmatched in-cloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) detection efficiency. The system provides alerts for real-time lightning and severe weather to multiple locations via multiple methods - mobile devices, computers, alert beacons and to outdoor alerting systems.

The WeatherBug Outdoor Alerting System allows the school administration, coaches, and employees to stay focused, and takes the guesswork out of making the call to postpone or cancel outdoor activities when lightning is near. The 110-decibel outdoor alerting unit is automated - to alert those, especially outdoors when lightning comes within a 10 mile radius of the school's facility.

The alerting system is the school's official notification to those on campus to relocate athletes, staff, and spectators to a safe indoors area without delay.

The WeatherBug system has generously been provided by the Jesse Watlington Memorial Foundation. NCS thanks the Watlington family for their desire and passion to see every school in FL have the WeatherBug system. The Watlingtons lost their son, Jesse, at age 11 when he was struck by lightning in the Fort Myers area in 2012. Those who would like to know more about how to donate to the ongoing cause of providing other schools with the WeatherBug system are encouraged to go to the following website: http://www.lightningfoundation.org/

Northside Warning Alert Procedures
  1. When lightning is detected within 10 miles of the school, the alert horn on campus will sound and automatic communications will be sent to school authorities.
  2. When the alert horn sounds, all students, athletes, employees, and spectators are required to take appropriate indoor shelter. This is school policy.
  3. The alert period is for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes if the 10 mile radius is clear of lightning, three horn sounds will be heard as the all-clear indicator. If the all-clear horns are not sounded, then lightning continues to be within the 10 mile radius.