Tim Moscicki has been the Head Athletic Trainer at Loyola High School for 35 years, ensuring the safety and wellness of over 900 athletes.
Recently, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) introduced new guidelines for monitoring heat stress, air quality, and lightning during severe weather. To comply with these guidelines without adding extra burden, Tim needed an efficient solution. After considering several options, he chose Perry Weather for its accurate on-site weather monitoring and automated alerts, simplifying his job significantly.
Automating Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Monitoring
Loyola installed a Perry Weather station on campus to monitor WBGT readings every five minutes, eliminating the need for manual calibration. The station uses a commercial-grade 3.5” black bulb for the most accurate readings. Perry Weather integrated Loyola’s CIF heat stress guidelines into their system, sending automated notifications to coaches and trainers when WBGT levels require practice modifications. This automation allows Tim to focus on athlete care while ensuring CIF compliance.
Challenges with Handheld WBGT Devices
Handheld WBGT devices often have small black bulbs that heat up too quickly, leading to inaccurate readings and unnecessary practice changes. They also require regular calibration, which is prone to human error. Additionally, these devices need to be set up 30 minutes before each practice, adding to Tim’s workload. With Perry Weather, these issues are eliminated, making the process hassle-free.
On-Campus Air Quality Monitoring
CIF’s updated policies also require schools to monitor air quality (AQI) on-site. Previously, Tim relied on general AQI readings for Los Angeles, which could be misleading due to the city’s size and variable conditions like smog and brush fires. Perry Weather provides real-time AQI readings directly from Loyola’s campus, ensuring accurate decisions about outdoor practices. This localized monitoring often allows practices to continue safely when broader readings might suggest otherwise.
Removing Guesswork from Weather Decisions
Perry Weather has greatly eased the workload for Tim and his team. In a busy high school environment, it’s easy to miss or forget to record readings. Perry Weather’s automated, on-site monitoring and integrated alerts ensure that Tim and his staff can focus on their other responsibilities while confidently complying with CIF policies and keeping athletes safe.
In summary, Perry Weather’s automation and accuracy have transformed how Loyola High School manages weather-related safety, allowing Tim to maintain a focus on athlete well-being without the added complexity of manual monitoring.