The Perry Weather outdoor warning system is a completely wireless, cloud-based emergency alert and lightning warning system that is constantly operational and integrated with the most reliable lightning detection network to provide weather risk monitoring and warning.
The system is active 6:00am-11:00pm from April 1 - December 1.
A total of 17 units are installed in Park Ridge parts to monitor real-time conditions, including lightning, wind, precipitation, air quality, and heat stress using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) technology. The system also delivers automated alerts with clear, actionable instructions aligned with our established safety policies.
The following procedures are to be followed when potentially dangerous weather exists:
Warning Signal
A warning signal (one long 15-second horn) will sound and strobe lights will activate when a potentially dangerous weather situation is in the area, along with a strobe light flash while the alert remains active. Additionally, the Public Address (PA) system will state, “Lightning detected. Please clear the park.”
Procedures
All activities in the park should end immediately and patrons should leave the park. It is recommended that park patrons seek shelter in their cars or a building. All park patrons should wait until the lightning prediction system performs an All Clear Signal before returning to the park. If you arrive at the park and the strobe light is flashing, please remain in your car until the all clear sounds.
All Clear Signal
A 30 minute countdown timer starts after the first strike, and resets when new strikes occur. When it is safe to resume activities, an all clear signal (three 5-second horn blasts) will sound and the strobe lights will deactivate. Additionally, the PA will state, "Area clear."
Caution
The Perry Weather system helps assess the weather conditions. Neither the signal nor the system is intended to guarantee that conditions are safe. If the weather is threatening and no warning signal is heard or seen, use good judgment and clear the field. Please take proactive action rather than waiting for the warning signal, as there is always a possibility the system may not function as expected.