Some schools in Charlotte area use lightning detection systems

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Country Day school has had a lightning detection system for more than a decade.

Athletic trainer Monica Erb said they get an email when lightning is 20 miles away, and an alarm goes off when it’s within 10 miles. Athletes and spectators are instructed to take cover.

“You just never want to have one catastrophic problem or injury, so I think it's very important to have something in place,” Erb said.

Erb said an enclosable pavilion is new, to provide shelter if people can't run inside fast enough. There are also 10 new strobe lights to warn people if they've missed the alarm.

Several other private schools, including Providence Day, Charlotte Latin and Charlotte Catholic, also have lightning detection systems.

But Eyewitness News discovered CMS schools do not.

Officials there say Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools regularly monitors weather conditions prior to and during CMS sporting events using media outlets and weather radios.

If lightning is seen or heard in the area, games are immediately stopped and all fans and players must seek shelter.

Eric Fromm, whose son goes to Providence Day, wasn't aware of their system but was glad to hear about it.

“I think it's very important. Safety at school is something that is, to us, essential,” he said.

An expert with Thor Guard, a company that sells lightning detection systems, said a base system can run anywhere from $8,000 to $14,000.

WSOC