We are dispatched to emergencies through and enhanced 9-1-1 system. An Emergency Call means we will run Code 3, lights and sirens. Code 3 means emergency response in an emergency vehicle. When an emergency vehicle is driving with its lights flashing and the siren going that means it’s going Code 3 to an emergency somewhere. Someone needs help quickly.
When an emergency vehicle is heard and/or seen
- Drives should carefully pull their vehicle to the right of the road and stop.
- If they are at an intersection, or stopped in traffic when they see lights or hear a siren, drivers should remain stopped and wait until the emergency vehicles have passed.
- Do not make quick or erratic maneuvers.
- The law is very specific; drivers must yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle.
- Drivers also should stay 500 feet behind emergency vehicles.
Fire apparatus will be placed to protect firefighters and other emergency responders at the scene of an incident, tragically, sometimes emergency crews have been hit and killed by passing vehicles. Be careful when driving by or around a motor vehicle accident or any situation where emergency vehicles are parked and the firefighters are working. Resist the impulse to “rubber-neck”. This can cause additional collisions.