Deerfield, Illinois dwellers are advised that routine lightning test signals manufactured for the community by Thor Guard Lightning Prediction Systems begin today, April 5, at various parks, swimming pools and schools throughout the Deerfield Park district.
Founded on the premise of prediction’s supremacy over detection, the Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System activates horn and/or strobe light signals, depending on lightning conditions, to alert the public. Deerfield citizens are advised that horns will sound on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. and that the signal is a test at those times.
If residents hear the horn or view a strobe light at undesignated hours and days, the radio-wave-based system is communicating the need to take shelter.
Horns and lights together mean that conditions are conducive to lightning and that people should take shelter indoors. One long horn blast indicates a high risk for lightning; the strobe light means a continuing alert for lightning; and finally, three short horn blasts and no further strobe light signal that it may be safe to resume normal activities, with caution.
The system will be active in Deerfield from April through November annually, with the capability of warning residents between five and 20 minutes in advance. Sending alerts via email and text as well as audible horn warnings, a single Thor Guard unit can cover an area of up to 25 miles.
The manufacturer also markets ThorMobile, a web-based product enabling residents to view real-time data detection. Thor Guard, located in Sunrise, Florida, has been in business since 1976.
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