Lightning...Do you follow the rules

The other day we had an event happen that hasn't happened in a long time here at the Club. A thunder storm rolled through the area and although the golf course didn't get a "frog strangler" as my Dad calls it, we did have the lightning detection system go off. Now I know we are all safety minded and went for the nearest shelters, right?! More like "yeah, right!"  My guess is that many people, including myself, look up after hearing the sirens go off and see the dark clouds way off into the distance and say to themselves "I've got time, the storms not even close."   The Club's policy is that when the sirens go off, you are required to cease play a head for a shelter or the Clubhouse and remain there until the "all clear" signal is given! 

Many of you probably are unaware the detection system is set to activate the warning sirens when there is an electrostatic discharge (a bolt of lightning) within 5 miles of the detection unit on top of the club house.  This is why many times when the systems is activated the imposing storm may still look way off.   5 miles is a long way if you were traveling by foot, but 5 miles is a milli-second for a bolt of lightning.  In fact, lightning can strike an object 10 miles away.  So don't think about whether it looks safe or not, you should think "I'm within reach!"  Just remember the core of a bolt of lightning is roughly 6 times hotter than the surface of the sun....don't chance it.  Once you are aware of the warning system alerting golfers of a strike, please head for shelter.  All of the storm shelters and the Clubhouse have lightning protection.

All of this begs the question of "What does the Club's sirens sound like and what do they mean?"
There are two different sounds emitted from the sirens.  The lightning warning sound is a repeating high - low sound.  The all clear signal is the same sound over and over. 

Remember, don't wait for the sirens to go off!  Use your best judgement because if you wait for the sirens, you are already within striking distance.  Once I have a chance to record the actual sounds of the siren I will post them on the blog. 

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