IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Iowa City Fire Department has adopted HAAS Alert's Safety Cloud to boost roadside safety for first responders and drivers during emergencies.

The Safety Cloud provides real-time alerts to navigation apps and connected vehicles, helping drivers notice nearby emergency vehicles or roadside activities. This alerts motorists to safely slow down or move over, reducing collision risks and enhancing scene safety.

Battalion Chief Zach Hickman emphasized the system's importance for incidents on Interstate 80. Previously, first responders depended on Iowa Department of Transportation signage for roadside alerts.

"It's a very dangerous place for us to be," Hickman said. "This is just another mechanism to let people know to move over for emergency vehicles."

The Safety Cloud broadcasts a signal within a half-mile radius, displaying "Emergency Vehicles Ahead" on Waze, Apple Maps, and compatible vehicle dashboards.

This article was originally published by Mike Bunge at KWWL.com