Tulsa Public Schools Protecting Students With New Weather Technology

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- This week is proof we all need to be aware of the danger of tornados, but lightning can also be a dangerous threat.

Tulsa Public Schools is investing in weather technology to protect students from lightning strikes.

Spring is always a crazy time of year for track coaches. At Hale High School in Tulsa, Coach Tammy Altaffer is getting 16 athletes ready for state.

This time of year, especially when storm clouds roll in, the weather is a big concern.

"We have to keep it in mind everyday because the weather in Oklahoma can change at any time," said Tammy Altaffer, Hale track coach.

TPS is getting new equipment to help relay information about potential lightning to coaches and teachers. The district has one Thor Guard lightning detection system at East Central High and is now adding eight more.

"It's going to be predicting if lightning can strike within a certain mile radius of the school. Or even within the school grounds itself," said Ben Tippin, TPS sound and light technician.

Sensors collect electrostatic energy. When it reaches a certain point, a siren goes off warning anyone within about 800 yards there is the potential for a lightning strike.

"And then they can make the call, to call the game for 20 minutes or call the game completely," said Tippin.

Coach Altaffer says TPS is on the right track with the new equipment, which will provide more information and better peace of mind.

"I think it will make things a lot safer for us," said Altaffer.

The lightning detection system at East Central High is being paid for with school maintenance funds. The other systems, which will be installed by the start of next football season, are being funding through school security grant money.