OSU Stillwater campus debuts new lightning notification system

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Media Contact: Shannon Rigsby | Associate Director of Public Information | 405-744-9081 | shannon.rigsby@okstate.edu

The Oklahoma State University Department of Public Safety has teamed up with OSU Athletics and the Department of Wellness to place a new lightning notification system in key areas. 

The campus currently has seven new detectors spread in strategic locations.  

The lightning detectors were placed on top of Iba Hall, Family and Graduate Student Housing neighborhoods, Western Fields, Intermural Fields, Colvin Pool and by the track facilities. 

When lightning is detected within 8 miles, a speaker plays a recording informing people to seek shelter. After 30 minutes, if no more lightning is detected in the area, the system provides an all-clear message. 

Compared to the last lightning notification system, this system is top-of-the-line equipment. 

“The new system will allow us to better pinpoint lightning strikes and notify specific groups of people when there is lightning and bad weather in the area,” Emergency Services Capt. Dan Ray said. 

The new system will send automatic alerts about any lightning strike within 8 miles, which is especially helpful during outdoor athletic events.

During all athletic events, including football games, the Department of Public Safety carefully observes the weather and stays up-to-date with different weather stations. 

“Through our partnerships with the National Weather Service and with this resource, we are able to gather weather information from different sources and see which one of the forecasts ends up being the more accurate. This football season, we’ve been fortunate that they have been very accurate and helpful for us,” said Travis Eastman, public safety communications supervisor.  

For more information on all things weather, go to this website.

Story By: Taylor Mabray | taylor.mabray@okstate.edu