By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
In the past, when an outdoor sporting event was taking place and thunderstorms were approaching, there was somewhat of a guessing game when the game should be suspended and resume with lightning in the area.
Those guessing days are over for the Great Bend Recreation Commission and local organizations with the Perry Weather app. Rec Aquatics Director Megan Hammeke said the app gives users clear instructions that align with the Rec’s safety policies, taking the guesswork out of the weather safety decision-making.
"We can also get future forecasting with the app," said Hammeke. "The pool has the same protocol with a 30 minute delay. When I'm not at the pool, my lifeguards won't have to make that call. The app will clear the pool for us."
The Rec’s guidelines call for outdoor events to be suspended for 30 minutes if lightning strikes within 10 miles. The Perry Weather app alerts the Rec staff of lightning strikes, begins a timer when play can resume and resets with each subsequent strike.