Lightning Prediction System Installed Across Park District

The Glenview Park District’s Thor-Guard Lightning Prediction System has been activated at locations throughout the district, according to a press release.

The state-of-the-art technology predicts when conditions are right for lightning strikes, rather than detecting previous strikes, which provides an earlier warning for staff and residents to take shelter from approaching storms.

When the system detects high levels of electrical activity, a signal is sent to activate horns and strobe lights. These horns emit one prolonged blast and the strobe light will continue flashing till the all clear horns sound. This is the warning for all outdoor activities to cease.

When Thorguard determines that the threat of lightning strikes has passed, three shorter horn blasts are emitted and the strobe light will shut off. This indicates that outdoor activities may resume, though activities should wait an extra 20 minutes for safety purposes.

Thor-Guard units are located at Community Park West, Gallery Park, Westbrook School, Roosevelt Park, Flick Park, Glenview Park Golf Club, Glenview Prairie Club and Apollo School. They are tested on the first Tuesday of every month between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

The district hopes that residents near participating facilities "understand the importance of these systems in protecting our outdoor facilities users from the potentially catastrophic effects of a lightning strike."

For additional questions about the system, e-mail Henry Urbina, Risk Manager at henry.urbina@glenviewparks.org.

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