Turlock Fire has started using a digital alerting system that warns nearby drivers through navigation apps when an equipped fire engine is on the move or at a scene.
The city announced the technology in early September (it was reported on Sept. 4). It is HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud, which works alongside traditional lights and sirens. When an equipped engine turns on its emergency lights, the system automatically sends real-time alerts through participating navigation systems, including Waze and Apple Maps, and through some compatible in-vehicle systems.
Two Turlock Fire engines are equipped now. Two more engines that are under construction will get the technology when they go into service.
Division Chief David Mallory said the alerts give motorists “critical extra time” to recognize that a fire engine is approaching. Deputy Fire Chief Jeffrey Serpa stressed that the digital alerts add to, but do not replace, a driver’s responsibility to watch and listen for emergency vehicles and yield. City Manager John J. Murphy described it as a practical investment in emergency response.