-----Starting August 2, 2024-----
Boca Campus New Lightning Detection System
The University has installed a lightning detection system manufactured by DTN at its Boca Raton campus in order to warn athletes, participants, and spectators at outdoor athletic and campus recreation facilities when a danger of lightning strike exists.
Using a series of strategically located horns and strobes, the system is designed to issue warnings in time for those at outdoor athletic and campus recreation facilities to seek shelter at an appropriate location. The horns and strobes may be heard or seen at other locations around the Boca Raton campus; therefore, others should heed these warnings as well.
Red Alert = One, 15 second blast and strobe turns on
Seek Shelter Immediately!
All Clear = Three, 5 second blasts and strobe turns off
Resume Normal Activites.
The DTN system at the Boca Raton Campus is currently set to operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. When lightning has been detected by the National Weather Service within 10 miles of the Boca Raton Campus, the system will give a 15-second blast on the horn cluster. At the same time, a strobe will activate and stay on until the risk of lightning has passed. Once lightning strikes have not been detected by the National Weather Service within 10 miles for 30 minutes, the system will activate the horns for an all-clear signal -- three short (5 second) blasts -- and the strobe light will stop blinking.
If the DTN system activates seek shelter inside a nearby building or a fully enclosed metal vehicle. Do not seek shelter under towers, trees or tall objects that could attract a lightning strike. Once inside a vehicle do not touch any metal that could be part of the vehicle frame. If you are working with an outdoor group, suspend activities and guide your participants inside.
Lightning Safety Information