Story originally published by Fox 56 WOLF

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WOLF) — FOX56 continues to highlight the men and women who go above and beyond in public safety with our monthly series "Salute to First Responders."

FOX56's Claudia Murtha learned of new technology put into place to keep first responders safe on the roads.

When Scranton Fire is out on a call drivers can now receive real time digital alerts when crews are active nearby.

Every Scranton fire vehicle is now equipped with Safety Cloud by HAAS Alert Technology.

"The alert system is a early reporting system for motorist out on the roadway, to be alerted to any emergency vehicles that are operating," Chief John Judge explained.

Scranton fire Chief John Judge explaining how HAAS works.

"As soon as our emergency lights are activated, it starts to show and starts to alert drivers in the area where we are at that time," Judge said.

Alerting motorists by sending a notification to driving assistance apps like Waze. Warning drivers there are first responders working at an incident near by.

By implementing the Safety Cloud, Scranton Fire is hoping to reduce the risk of drivers colliding with responders while they are on scene, adding more awareness with a digital component to lights and sirens.

The alerts are said to give drivers up to 30 seconds of advance warning, assisting in reaction time for motorists to abide by Pennsylvania Move Over Laws -requiring drivers to slow down and move over one lane when approaching emergency vehicles.

"It is gonna alert those drivers and hopefully our staff is concentrated on mitigating the incident so sometimes we are not paying direct attention to some of the motorist that are passing by, so hopefully they are going to heed those warnings, slow down, move over and let our crews operate safely on the side of the road," Chief Judge explained.

The system also helps collect information that can be used to improve how the department functions.

"There is a lot of departments in Lackawanna County that have started using this, the Pennsylvania Turn Pike uses it on all their vehicles. So you know anything we can do to make sure that our people are operating or able to operate safely on the highways and roadways in the state and the city it is an easy one for us to be able to implement," Chief Judge explained.

You may already be receiving information from HAAS alerts without even knowing.

One way is by downloading an app like Waze and turning your notifications on. Even if you are not following directions the app with notify you of incidents near by.

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.”