Park District lightning prediction system at Commissioners Park out of service due to vandalism—signs will be posted until equipment is restored
The lightning prediction system at Commissioners Park on 111th St. has been vandalized, and will be out of service for repairs over the next week or longer. The Naperville Park District has posted signs at Commissioners Park alerting sports participants and park visitors to use common sense and take precautions in the event of threatening weather particularly while the warning system is not functioning.
“In the spring and summer, when lightning strikes occur most frequently, we want to remind park users to take shelter immediately when lightning threatens, whether or not they hear a warning signal from the lightning detection systems that are in many of our sports complexes,” said Director of Recreation Brad Wilson. “Safe shelters include buildings or fully enclosed vehicles with the windows shut; unsafe places include golf carts, tents, open-sided shelters, small boats, and isolated trees.”
Lightning causes approximately 10 deaths per year in Illinois alone. In most instances, people injured by lightning are not directly hit, but are injured through currents that flow from nearby ground strikes.
The Park District’s lightning prediction system sounds one prolonged horn with a strobe light to indicate that lightning is present and a series of three short blasts to signal that it is safe to resume activity at the park.
NOTE! Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. When vandals harm or destroy public property, residents pay via their tax dollars to replace the services. Help educate the community. Pay attention. To report crimes anonymously, call CrimeStoppers at (630) 420-6006.
