Park District Implements Weather Safety System In Buffalo Grove

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Stating it will "help ensure that people are able to avoid dangerous weather conditions," the Buffalo Grove Park District announced Wednesday it has implemented a new weather safety system. According to officials, the Perry Weather platform warns when lightning and other potentially dangerous weather conditions are imminent by using technology that collects real-time, site-specific conditions for more accurate monitoring and alerting.

Perry Weather, based out of Texas, lists the PGA, USA Soccer and the Philadelphia Eagles among its clients.

"One of the benefits of the Perry Weather system is that we can tie into other users' hardware, such as Buffalo Grove High School, to expand our range of coverage," Buffalo Grove Park District Executive Director Ryan Risinger said.

The park district has partnered with the Buffalo Grove Recreation Association, who paid for the outdoor warning system that was installed at Emmerich Park, where a majority of baseball games are played. Similar to a tornado warning siren, people in the area of Emmerich Park will hear audible tones, accompanied by a strobe light, indicating that lightning has been detected within a 10-mile radius. Five short tones will indicate that it is safe to resume activity outdoors.

"Keeping the community safe is our number one priority," said Dani Hoefle, Buffalo Grove Park District risk manager. "With so many outdoor programs and events that attract large numbers of people, we felt that this was a great way to help ensure that people are able to avoid dangerous weather conditions that often start suddenly, with no indication that they’re about to happen."

Buffalo Grove Park District staff will also receive text messages and notification alerts through the use of Perry Weather's mobile app, helping to ensure safe programming and facilities at all park district locations, according to officials.