Roane County School District has taken a significant step toward enhancing safety by installing Perry Weather’s advanced monitoring systems at all five high school campuses, as announced in a recent press release and discussed by Assistant Director of Schools Tony Clower at a Harriman City Council meeting.

These systems, placed on press boxes at each school’s football field, provide real-time data on lightning threats and heat conditions, including wet bulb globe temperature readings, strike-specific countdown timers, and customizable alerts aligned with district safety protocols. The devices, designed to ensure hyperlocal accuracy and supported by 24/7 access to professional meteorologists, help administrators and coaches make informed decisions about outdoor activities during severe weather or high heat.

Harriman High School is next to receive its device, to be installed atop the library near the stadium, with a test scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday, during which a 10- to 15-second alarm will sound. Once operational, the system will emit a shrill sound if lightning is detected within 10 miles of a school during activities.

This initiative aims to enhance safety for over a thousand student-athletes and support confident, consistent decision-making across the district. More details are available on the Roane County Schools website.