Case Study: Broward County Public Schools achieves rapid severe-weather alerts and protects students with Earth Networks

Early Severe Weather Notifications Protect Students, Staff and Residents

Broward County Public Schools, one of the largest districts in the nation with over 271,000 students and nearly 33,000 staff across 236 sites, faced the constant threat of fast‑forming Florida thunderstorms, lightning and tornadoes that could endanger students and employees. To improve real‑time situational awareness and safety, Broward County Public Schools deployed a suite of Earth Networks products, including 55 lightning sensors, web‑visualization tools, outdoor alerting systems, mobile/text alerts and access to Earth Networks’ meteorological team.

Earth Networks installed sensors across the county, integrated live storm visualization and alerting, and provided 24/7 meteorologist analysis and direct notifications to school officials. On February 28, 2007 Earth Networks issued severe‑weather and tornado warnings and proactively contacted district leaders, enabling schools to enact tornado procedures, delay dismissal and move students to protected areas; a tornado hit the area 13 minutes after the warning and no one was injured. As a result, Broward County Public Schools now receive automated and personal real‑time warnings that measurably improve response time and student/staff safety.

Broward County Public Schools