The Norfolk Fire Division is using HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud technology to improve public safety during emergency situations. By utilizing this platform, the division can send important alerts to nearby motorists about approaching emergency vehicles. This technology aims to reduce response times, minimize the risk of accidents and ultimately save lives.
Assistant fire chief Trever O’Brien highlighted the city’s dedication to improving emergency response capabilities through the adoption of innovative technology. Since September, when the fire division started using HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud, the technology has notified drivers of approaching emergency vehicles over 17,000 times up until March end. This vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication technology provides real-time alerts to motorists through connected vehicle systems and navigation applications. When emergency vehicles equipped with Safety Cloud are nearby, motorists receive immediate notifications to yield and allow the responding units to pass safely.
O’Brien expressed gratitude for the technology and emphasized its importance in informing the public about approaching emergencies and the presence of emergency vehicles. He urged drivers to avoid emergency areas, pull over to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle is approaching. He also emphasized that drivers should not stop in roundabouts or intersections as responders may require access to these areas during emergencies. The Norfolk Fire Division looks forward to utilizing this technology in enhancing safety for both the public and emergency responders in future scenarios.
