Lee College recently installed a Perry Weather Lightning Outdoor Warning Siren at Main Campus on the roof of the Advanced Technology Center & Library Building (ATC - Building 2) to detect cloud-to-ground lightning activity and automatically alert the college community and visitors who are outdoors when lightning is dangerously close — within an 8-mile radius.
When lightning is detected within this range, the system will activate an audible siren and broadcast a voice message instructing individuals to seek immediate shelter indoors. This automated warning helps provide timely notification, allowing students, employees, and visitors to take protective action before hazardous conditions worsen.
The siren is intended to support campus safety during:
- Outdoor movement between buildings
- Outdoor campus activities
- Open play times on the tennis and pickleball courts
- Other outdoor gatherings
What to Do When the Siren Sounds
- Immediately move indoors to a substantial building.
- Avoid open areas, metal objects, tall trees, and tennis courts.
- Remain indoors until the official All Clear is issued.
Outdoor activities may resume only after 30 minutes have elapsed since the last detected lightning strike within an 8-mile radius.
System Demonstration
Watch a demonstration of the Perry Weather Lightning Siren system in operation:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sirens scheduled to only sound during specific hours to avoid disturbing neighbors?
Yes, sirens are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
Why is the radius 8 miles?
The parameters align with Texas safety and UIL athletic standards. UIL requires suspension of outdoor activities when lightning is detected within an 8-mile radius, with a 30-minute all-clear rule.
How does the unit detect lightning?
Perry Weather uses the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) to trigger alerts when a verified strike occurs within the set radius.
When is it safe to resume outdoor activities?
An all-clear will be announced after 30 minutes have elapsed since the last detected lightning strike within an 8-mile radius.