Lights and Siren
By Assistant Chief Dan LaFata
In 2012, Mehlville Fire Protection District is predicted to respond to over 13,000 alarms. These alarms will vary greatly in seriousness and
complexity. Some alarms will require only an ambulance while others will need five engines, a heavy rescue squad, an ambulance and a Chief Officer.
Regardless of the nature of the alarm, MFPD's first priority is to arrive on the scene safely and without causing harm to any member of the public.
To reduce the amount of times that a fire truck or ambulance must respond with their lights and sirens on, Mehlville Fire Protection District has
identified certain types of alarms that can be responded to on "the quiet" meaning without emergency lights and sirens. These types of alarms are
considered urgent, but not life threatening. Several types of calls that fall into this category are: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors chirping, an
uninjured person who simply needs help getting up or even a fire alarm that is sounding with no fire or smoke around.
Responding to calls without the lights and sirens will not significantly increase the amount of time it takes to arrive on the scene and will provide
for a safer driving environment for motorists. There are, of course, times that personnel must respond with lights and sirens. When we are in this
"emergency mode", we must be allowed to have the right-of- way. Just as a reminder, we ask that drivers do the following when confronted with an
emergency vehicle responding with their lights and sirens on:
- Pay attention to all that is going on around you;
- When available, slow down and move to the right of the roadway as far as you safely can;
- Avoid the shoulders of the road;
- Be alert for more than one emergency vehicle traveling in the area ;
- Avoid following too closely ;
- Return to normal driving with caution.
Approximately every 40 minutes, in the South County area, at least one Mehlville Fire Protection District vehicle will be traveling on the roads. We
will not always be using lights and sirens, but rest assured we will help you through your situation in a safe, efficient and professional manner.
Meeting Agenda
