Florida is known as the "lightning capital of North America," which might make Floridians a little more curious about when it will strike.

That's one reason why Stetson University has installed a new lightning detection system so students -- and their parents -- can feel more at ease when potentially dangerous weather approaches.

Stetson freshmen Erica Schneider and Patty Guevara said they know lightning strikes often in Florida, but only one of the two knew what to listen for, because she heard the alarm go off the minute she arrived on campus.

"I remember clearly, it was the first day we were here," Schneider recalled. "I think it was a Saturday. It was a bad storm."

Guevara, meanwhile, said she hasn't heard anything about the new alarm.

"It could have gone off, and I wouldn't have known what it was," said Guevara. "But I would assume that other people around me would have known, and I would have done what they've done."

Already in use at other Florida universities, Stetson installed three of the detectors and alarms two weeks ago as added protection against lightning. A fourth alarm is on the way, and will be installed on campus within the next few weeks.

The devices detect lightning by measuring ions in the air, and then let everyone on campus know severe weather is coming before it strikes.

"Once the ion level is significant enough -- within two miles of the campus -- the alarm goes off," said Stetson Public Safety Sgt. Dennis McGuire. "Once the threat has passed, then it gives a three short bursts signal that's all clear."

The alarm gives students enough time to go indoors and seek cover.

One of the alarms is located on the playing field, where it was put to the test Friday. When it goes off, everyone has to clear the field and go indoors, and spectators have to go to their cars.

"Friday, we did have lightning within the area, so the thorough guard system over here did go off," said James Stem, director of operations and facilities for Stetson Athletics. "So, we immediately cleared the field."

Stem said the field was cleared for an hour and 45 minutes Friday.

The advanced warning system makes Stetson the second of four schools in the Central Florida area to provide lightning alarms.