Fernandina Beach installs lightning protection system

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter – News Analyst

lightningAccording to a city press release, the City of Fernandina Beach has installed the Thor Guard lightning prediction and warning system.  When lightning is within two miles of the sensors the system is placed into “Red Alert”.  This will trigger an alarm/horn that will sound for 15 seconds and a strobe light will begin flashing.  When the alarm sounds there will be between 8 and 16 minutes before the storm hits.  Once the storm passes an “All Clear” signal of (3) 5- second blasts will sound.  Nan Voit, Parks and Recreation Department Director advises that should you hear the initial warning signal, it is strongly recommended that you seek shelter immediately and remain there until the “All Clear” alarm sounds.  The alarms are located at Main Beach Park, Fire Station II, MLK Center, Central Park and Atlantic Center.  The system operates 24 hours a day, however the alarms will only sound between the hours of 9am-9pm.  If you have any questions, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (904) 310-3358.

Editor’s Note:  On November 19, the city commission voted to use recreational impact fees to fund the cost of the $44,987 Thor-Guard system.

December 19, 2013 9:22 p.m.