The North Richland Hills Fire Department has implemented new technology to keep first responders and drivers safer on roadways.
Drivers in North Richland Hills can now receive digital alerts through apps like Waze, Apple Maps, and many newer model vehicles mapping systems. The Safety Cloud® cloud Emergency Vehicle Alert System (EVAS) technology has been added to most of the North Richland Hills Fire Department Fleet through HAAS Alert. The equipment, funded via a grant from the North Central Texas Council of Governments Traffic Incident Management Grant Program, allowed the department to equip the existing fleet with the latest safety technology. Newer model fire apparatus will now come with the technology; however, the department found value in ensuring the entire fleet was covered with the devices.
"Protecting the citizens and our personnel is always our number one priority, " shares Division Chief Christopher Jungst. "Operating on the roadway is one of the most hazardous locations for emergency responders. The HAAS system provides another layer of protection not only for responders working at a scene but provides that early notification to commuters so they can slow down and move over. "
On average, there are 24 emergency responders, including tow truck drivers, killed by vehicles while working roadside every year. The new tool allows drivers who utilize certain GPS mapping apps like Waze to be alerted up to 30 seconds in advance via real-time alerts. This provides drivers with time to move over and slow down, keeping first responders and drivers safe.
To learn more about the technology, visit: haasalert.com
