[Adopted 4-27-2015 by Ord. No. 2276]
A. 
The Borough hereby adopts a lightning safety policy as follows: Whenever the Borough determines that there is a substantial risk of lightning strikes in the area, the Borough may declare a lightning risk emergency. In the event of the declaration of a lightning risk emergency, no person may occupy, utilize or be in any Borough-owned field, recreation area, park, playground, pool or other open area until such time as the Borough declares that the lightning strike emergency is over.
B. 
Automatic warning system. The Borough intends to implement an automatic warning system for lightning risk emergencies to operate between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. seven days per week. The automatic warning system will engage by warning siren and/or strobe, and the triggering of this system shall automatically constitute the declaration of a lightning risk emergency.
C. 
Upon the declaration of a lightning strike emergency, all persons are encouraged to seek shelter in safe areas, such as enclosed buildings, fully enclosed metal vehicles with hard metal roofs and windows up, and low ground areas as a last resort, such as ditches and/or the bottom of a hill, assuming a crouched position to minimize body area so as to not lie flat.
D. 
Areas to be avoided in the event of a lightning risk emergency are open fields, metal bleachers, fences, umbrellas, flagpoles, light poles, tall trees and pools of standing water.
A. 
The Borough hereby determines its right to declare a lightning risk emergency when the Borough has determined, through any and all means it deems sound and acceptable, that there is a substantial risk of lightning strikes.
B. 
Upon determination of a lightning risk emergency, any and all activities within Borough parks and recreation facilities, including but not limited to, the Ridgefield Municipal Pool, all municipal fields, recreation areas, courts, playgrounds and other open areas shall cease until notice that the lightning risk emergency is declared abated.
C. 
The triggering of the automatic warning system which the Borough intends to implement, by way of siren and/or strobe, shall automatically determine a lightning risk emergency.
D. 
A lightning risk emergency will be declared automatically by the triggering of the lightning detection system or may also be declared by the Chief of Police, his designee, or the Director of the Office of Emergency Management.
The following persons shall receive a copy of the within article and be asked to familiarize themselves with the policies as follows:
A. 
Any person or persons seeking issuance of a field use permit;
B. 
Any person or persons serving as Ridgefield Recreation coaches, umpires, referees, coordinators, and all R.B.A.O. coaches.
C. 
Any umpire, coach, coordinator or adult in charge of any recreation activity taking place on Borough field, recreation area or other property.
Any person or persons found guilty of violating the within article shall be subject of a fine of not less than $75, but not to exceed $500. In addition, if the violator has received a license or permit for the use of Borough facilities, the license or permit may be revoked by the Mayor and Council.