Story originally published by Bradford Today

Fire and Emergency Services have recently implemented Safety Cloud by HAAS Alert, a real-time alert system that notifies drivers as they approach active responders en route or on scene.

Effective immediately, residents of Bradford West Gwillimbury can receive real-time digital alerts when approaching our newest fire apparatus. Safety Cloud protects first responders and roadway fleet and improves driver compliance with the move-over law by sending real-time notifications to drivers approaching active responders. Although Ontario’s move-over law requires drivers to slow down and move one lane over when approaching active emergency vehicles, many drivers react slowly or fail to move over at all. Safety Cloud alerts drivers up to 30 seconds in advance — providing drivers more time to slow down and move over, and reducing the risk of drivers colliding with responders and other on-scene workers.

Safety Cloud is integrated with the Waze and Apple Maps mobile apps, as well as on many vehicle infotainment centres. Safety Cloud recently expanded to over four million vehicles through a partnership with global automaker Stellantis. Drivers of 2018 and newer models of Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge, and Alfa Romeo vehicles will receive Safety Cloud alerts through the new EVAS (Emergency Vehicle Alert System) feature. HAAS Alert is continuously working toward expanding the alert system to other services and vehicles so that all drivers can receive these critical road-safety alerts.

“We’re excited to add another level of protection for our firefighters in order to make sure they are able to do their jobs as safely as possible,” said Fire Chief Brent Thomas. "This service connects and protects our crews in the field and the drivers around them by giving motorists extra time to see us, slow down, and move over safely. We encourage all drivers to get the free Waze and Apple Maps apps to start receiving advanced notifications when we’re actively responding to a scene.”

At this time, Safety Cloud has been implemented on our newest fire apparatus only.

For more information on HAAS Alert, visit www.haasalert.com.

The new engine replaces a 1986 fire engine. Comparing the two engines is difficult.

“They are night and day different,” Haase said, excited about the new engine’s capabilities. “The 1986 engine no longer meets standards put forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Standards put forth by the NFPA states that fire apparatus should be upgraded to meet current standards or replaced after 25 years. The new engine will provide a more reliable apparatus with more capabilities.”

The new engine replaces a 1986 fire engine. Comparing the two engines is difficult.

“They are night and day different,” Haase said, excited about the new engine’s capabilities. “The 1986 engine no longer meets standards put forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Standards put forth by the NFPA states that fire apparatus should be upgraded to meet current standards or replaced after 25 years. The new engine will provide a more reliable apparatus with more capabilities.”