New weather alert system in Paterson parks alerts residents of extreme weather, to seek shelter
PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) -- A new weather alert system was installed in 14 parks around Paterson, New Jersey, that alerts residents of extreme weather and when to seek shelter.
Mayor Andre Sayegh announced on Tuesday the installation of the Perry Weather Alert System, which offers real-time weather monitoring, automated alerts, and customizable notifications based on specific weather policies.
"It will provide real-time weather monitoring. We will know about lightning strikes, we will know about wind. Any weather-related incident that occurs we will be notified," Sayegh said.
The system consists of 14 stations that are strategically placed across the city to warn families of potential dangerous weather conditions approaching in enough time to take necessary safety measures.
"If there's a storm 10 miles away and lightning strikes, we clear the field. If it comes 5 miles, we clear the field. If lightning keeps hitting in the vicinity of our detection systems, they cannot get back on the field for 30 minutes," said Paterson OEM Coordinator Troy Ayers.
OEM and the Fire Department spent $44,000 for the safety upgrade and got it in place over the course of a year.
Recent events showed all too well the value of monitoring storms, flooding and lightning strikes.
Earlier this month several people were either killed or injured in lighting strikes in the state.
People at both events said they had no indication that lightning was threatening close by. That's exactly what Paterson works to avoid.
The alert system incorporates on-site weather stations, outdoor warning systems, and a user-friendly dashboard and mobile app.
"This system will alert residents through sirens and strobe lights and we can give instructions in multiple languages," Paterson Fire Department Chief Alejandro Alicea said.
So how does it work?
On-site weather stations deliver real-time data on temperature, humidity, wind speed/direction, precipitation, and WBGT (Wet Bulb Global Temperature) for heat stress monitoring.
There are outdoor warning systems that include a siren, strobe lights, and text-to-speech PA alerts for severe weather, especially lightning.
There's also a dashboard and mobile app that will help people monitor conditions and receive alerts.
Now, residents can be alerted to summer heat or nearby lightning and have greater peace of mind, officials say.
Perry Weather is used nationwide in schools, municipalities, golf courses, and industrial sites.
ALSO READ: Lightning safety tips
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