It doesn't matter what kind of emergency vehicle it is, fire, police, rescue or ambulance, they need to have several different types of warning systems in place. We will see the bank of flashing lights on any emergency vehicle, but normally before that, we will hear of their approach. The sirens are a vital and often forgotten aspect of an emergency vehicles hazard warning system. The sound of a siren will warn of the vehicles approach, and we the public can take action to either avoid it or possibly warn others.

Any vehicle rushing to the scene of an emergency needs to forewarn road users and pedestrians of its approach. On our city streets, the visibility is often poor. We can't see around corners but we can hear round corners! Audible and visible warnings are necessary. One without the other would be virtually useless. Any sirens we hear, automatically give us notice that an emergency is happening somewhere close at hand. The sirens we hear allow us to judge how far an emergency vehicle is from our position.

The warning lights on any emergency vehicle are highly visible, but they will not always be in our line of sight. This is why the sirens on vehicles are crucial. If we don't see, we can hear them and vice versa. The sirens on vehicles cannot only act as warnings but can help protect the personnel. Sadly, first responders are killed on average of one per month on our roads by drivers that just fail to notice them. The siren and flashing lights should be warning enough to drivers, but unfortunately, it's not.

While driving, if you hear any sirens, you would be well advised to follow any 'move over' law guidance your state has published. You haven't heard of it. Well a further warning, ignorance of the law is no defense. When hearing sirens and or seeing flashing lights most states advise, you move, slow down and move if possible to an adjacent lane to avoid emergency vehicles and personnel at the side of the road. Likewise, if you see flashing lights in your rear or side mirrors and hear the sirens wail, you need to move over to let the vehicle pass.

Interestingly there are some new sirens in test at the moment by various law enforcement agencies across the US. These new types of sirens have an extremely low tone, which sends vibrations through targeted vehicles and their occupants. What this does is advise the driver that the vehicle is approaching. The driver may have failed to see the lights or hear the normal sirens so this method of 'notification' will certainly get your attention if all others fail