The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Ralph Grimm, West Central Superintendent
As many people have noticed, we have added some equipment to the top of the football stadium pressbox at the north campus and to the east side of the gym roof at the south campus. This new equipment is a lightening detection system that has been put in place as a result of the districts most recent Ten Year Health Life Safety project.
As has been noted, there are three lights attached to each system. A flashing blue light means there is no lightening detected within a 20 mile radius. A flashing yellow light indicates that there is a threat of lightening in the area and the flashing red light means that lightening is in the area and you are to leave the area immediately and not return as long as the red light is flashing.
In addition, there is a siren that will go off when lightening is detected (the red light is flashing). The siren, indicates that lightening has been detected within a 20 mile radius and the area is to be evacuated immediately.
The area is to remain clear until there has been no lightening detected for 30 consecutive minutes. After 30 minutes of no lightening detection, another siren will sound signifying an all clear .
The lightening detection system will be armed each day from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. During the time period between 11 p.m. and 5 a. m., the system will be turned off.
This system has been put in place to provide additional measures of protection for our students, staff and fans who attend outdoor events at our campuses.
There are documented cases of lightening strikes from as far away as 20 miles. Remember, if you can hear thunder, it is possible to be struck by lightening.
All District 235 employees will be instructed to honor the lightening detection system regardless of the activity that is taking place at the time.
Please feel free to contact the unit office at (309) 627-2371 if you have any questions.