Fire lights – the visible warning signal
The lights on fire trucks or vehicles vary not just from state to state but from vehicle to vehicle. There isn’t a set standard or package of lights for a fire vehicle. However, it is not difficult to recognize a fire truck rushing to an emergency, and the fire lights on the vehicle act as the visible hazard warning of their approach.
Fire does happen, it’s a sad fact, but they do. Arson, accident, chemical spills, medical emergencies and motor vehicle incidents happen, and it may surprise you to know that fire trucks are often the first to respond. fire lights, beacons or lightbars all help the fire truck get to where they need to be, fast. Most fire fighters are not just trained in fighting fires, they are also Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), or as sometimes known paramedics. The fire trucks often get to the scene first and this is why the personnel are well trained in many specialist areas.
Fire fighters often arrive first due to the proximity of their fire stations. Those crucial minutes after an accident or medical emergency mean the fire fighters have a better chance of saving those involved and prevent there being fatalities. fire lights on the vehicles help illuminate the scene when they are in attendance and they also serve as warning to other road users that they are stationary and therefore present a hazard to others. Without the lighting on their trucks, the fire fighters would be sitting ducks with regard to other vehicles, especially in the dark or poor weather conditions.
Visibility is key to any emergency vehicle and frankly the more lights a vehicle has, the better. Single rotator lights on top of a vehicle will be seen from a good distance. Lightbars can be used to direct and advice traffic when a vehicle is stationary in attendance at a scene. Beacons and even helmet lights could also be classed as fire lights and they all, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant have a part to play in maintaining safety. When you consider the variety of 911 calls a fire service will be called to then you realize just how many warning and hazard lights a fire vehicle will need.
There are many ways we can help our fire fighting personnel to stay safe and to ensure they have less 911 calls to respond to. Firstly stay alert on the road, be watchful for any flashing fire lights or indeed any emergency vehicle lights. Secondly, have a look at your local fire fighters website if they have one, there will be safety hints and tips on avoiding situations you will need the assistance of fire trucks. Thirdly, look up and stick to any move over laws your state has with regard to the sight and sound of any emergency vehicle.
With these few tips, we Joe public can avoid being caught up in any situation where we need the assistance of the local fire department. We really don’t want to see flashing fire lights lined up in our street simply because we have been careless and caused a fire that could so easily have been avoided. Of course, accidents do happen and if you do need the fire department urgently then dial 911 without delay. The fire service will probably be the first on the scene with their flashing fire lights and specialist training to help in any emergency.
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