Be mindful of lightning as severe thunderstorms move through Central Florida. Recently, a lightning strike at Clearwater Beach took the life one and injured seven others, according to a report from WTSP. The National Weather Service says Florida is the lightning capital of the country. Why? Read more here.

Florida Poly has a Lightning Detection Alert System that has been in place for quite some time now. If you would like to add this alter system on your phone or laptop, click here.

You will be warned by our Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System, which sounds ONE 15-second blast of horns, a yellow strobe will begin to flash until safe conditions return. You should immediately seek an appropriate, safe shelter. You may resume activities only after THREE five-second blasts of the horn are sounded and the yellow strobe light stops flashing. If you remain outdoors after the warning is issued, you do so at your own risk. Lightning is a severe hazard that must be viewed seriously.  Everyone should immediately seek shelter anytime they believe lightning threatens them, even if a signal has been sounded.

It is important to remember:

• Lightning can strike the same thing multiple times
• Lightning can strike more than 10 MILES away from the nearest raindrop
• When lightning strikes a car, the metal body protects you not the rubber tires
• If you are caught outside with no structure, crouch low to the ground with your heels up; do not lie flat on the ground

Striking facts about lightning:

• Contrary to the common expression, lightning can and often does strike the same place twice.
• Lightning is extremely hot—a flash can heat the air around it to temperatures five times hotter than the sun’s surface.
• About 2,000 people are killed worldwide by lightning each year, but nine of every 10 people survive.
• The average American has about a 1 in 5,000 chance of being struck by lightning during a lifetime.
• Cloud-to-ground lightning bolts are a common phenomenon—about 100 strike Earth’s surface every single second. Each bolt can contain up to 1 billion volts of electricity.
• Cars are havens from lightning. Tires conduct current, as do metal frames that carry a charge harmlessly to the ground.
• Many houses are grounded by rods and other protection that conduct a lightning bolt’s electricity harmlessly to the ground.
• Grounded buildings offer protection, but occupants who touch running water or use a landline phone may be shocked by conducted electricity.
• Lightning strikes during thunderstorms kill more Americans each year than either tornadoes or hurricanes.

For more information, contact the University Police Department by email or call 863-874-8472