LighningDetectionSystem

Whenever the City of Dublin’s Lightning Detection System (LDS) sounds an alarm, all DYA practices and games are immediately suspended. Players, spectators, and coaches should leave the area of the fields and seek safe shelter.

Play or practice may resume once the "all clear" siren has sounded.

If an "all clear" siren does not sound within 30 minutes of the warning siren, all games or practices are canceled.

Furthermore, coaches may cancel practices immediately upon the warning siren. Games may be canceled by the umpire if field conditions change during the suspension period, e.g. rain makes fields unplayable. Games will be canceled if no "all clear" alarm is sounded within 30 minutes of the warning alarm.

Games interrupted by lightning, but then resumed, will have 20 minutes added to the regularly scheduled end time. Other rules governing suspended play in tournament games remain as stated in the respective rules for each league with tournament play.

Remember, the LDS is an early warning system that alerts people in the park that there is a dangerous storm 10 to 30 away and the park is in its path. The system is not set to report lightning that can be seen, as those dangers are eminent and persons should take shelter immediately upon seeing lightning. No DYA games or practices are conducted when lightning is within sight under any circumstances.

Lightning Detection System

The following is taken directly from the Community Relations release from the City of Dublin. The DYA policy on use of the system as it relates to games and practices follows.

The City of Dublin purchased and installed a Lightning Detection System (LDS) for the purpose of providing Dublin park patrons with information regarding the presence of potentially dangerous electrical storms in the general areas around the parks. Dublin is the first municipality in Ohio to install such a detection system in its parks.

The LDS is made up of two separate systems. The physical lightning detection device is located on the roof of the Dublin Justice Center (5600 Commerce Parkway) and the data processing device is located in the 911 Communications Center inside the building. These two components detect lightning and communicate the data to transmitters throughout the City.

The LDS is programmed to operate yearly:
    8:00 am to 11:00 pm
    Seven days a week
    March 15 to November 10 every year

The LDS will detect and warn of cloud to ground lightning strikes within 10 to 30 miles of the Dublin Justice Center. When a cloud to ground lightning strike is detected within this range, the alert system will sound one audible even-toned alarm for approximately 15 seconds. When a period of 15 minutes passes with absolutely no cloud to ground lightning strikes occurring within the range, a second audible high-low-toned alarm will sound for approximately 15 seconds.

This system is designed to alert patrons who are already on park property of potentially dangerous electrical storms. It does not sound audible alarms in increments of time. The system only sounds once at the first lightning detection and once signaling the area has been clear of lightning for 15 minutes.

Audible alarms are located at:
    Avery Park north concession stand
    Avery Park south restrooms
    Darree Fields north restrooms
    Darree Fields south restrooms
    Dublin Municipal Pool mechanical building

This alert system was installed as an informational tool only. Therefore, it is up to the discretion of specific sporting leagues/coaches to determine their own rules when alarms sound during league-sponsored events or practices. The system is tested by the City of Dublin every February and again every second Tuesday of each month from March through November. The City of Dublin Division of Grounds and Facilities is responsible for all maintenance and repair of the LDS.

If you have any questions regarding the LDS, contact Colleen Moran, Division of Community Relations, at 410-4505.