Radio Kingston urges strict weather shutdowns after July 4 storm

Patrick Moore, chair of the Kingston Arts Commission, introduced representatives from Radio Kingston, who reviewed their role supporting outdoor events and the group’s approach to weather and safety. Daniel Stout, a Radio Kingston presenter, said the team inventories a "safety kit" and a "rain plant kit" that go on every load‑in and that the organization prioritizes shutting down when lightning or thunder is visible. "We have a hard rule that we will we we shut down our systems and wait," Stout said, explaining the policy allowed crews to prepare and avoid surprise when the storm hit.

Commissioners and presenters discussed how Radio Kingston coordinates with city departments and event producers. Patrick Moore noted that the commission and parks staff had been on the phone during the July 4 event to resolve logistics. Moore also emphasized rehearsing a clear chain of command at events and said that the National Incident Management System (NIMS) clarifies who is in charge during an incident. The presenters recommended stronger pre‑event communication with vendors, performers and city staff and suggested vendors use minimum tent‑weight requirements and anchored canopies to reduce the risk of pop‑up tents lifting in wind.