Carroll County has unveiled a new "Lightning Detection and Warning System" that will be located at all area high schools (except for North Carroll). A email press release was recently sent out containing information about how the system works. For those who live in the area of FSK High School, this "siren/horn" is not associated with any fire department activities. The system is used to provide an early warning for athletes and spectators at sporting events. The release from CCPS has been copied below:

Release: Carroll County Public Schools is pleased to announce the recent installation of a lightning detection system near high school athletic fields. The purpose of this new technology from Earth Networks Weather Bug is to assist high school staff in the event of a lightning storm in their area and to allow adequate time for athletes and spectators to reach cover.

When lightning is detected within a 10 mile radius of the school, the sound of a horn will be heard for 15 seconds, alerting all people in the area to seek shelter. At the same time, a strobe light will be activated and will remain in effect for the entire at-risk time frame. Once lightning has not been detected in the area for a period of 30 minutes, there will be three 5-second horn sounds notifying everyone in attendance that it is safe to return to the area.

The lightning detection system will be activated Monday, March 21, 2016 in high schools. Carroll County Public Schools would like to thank Carroll Hospital Center for the generous grant that made this possible and will assist in keeping our students, staff and community members safer.