Digital Emergency Vehicle Alerts (HAAS Alert Safety Cloud)

Benton County Fire District #2 is using digital alerting technology to improve roadway safety for our firefighters, emergency medical responders, and the motoring public. Through integration with HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud® system, BCFD #2 emergency vehicles can now send real-time alerts to drivers when units are responding to or operating at incidents along roadways.

This system enhances traditional emergency warning methods—such as lights and sirens—by providing drivers with advance digital notifications inside their vehicles or navigation apps.

What Is HAAS Alert Safety Cloud?

HAAS Alert Safety Cloud® is a collision-prevention and responder-safety system that delivers real-time digital alerts to nearby drivers when emergency vehicles are en route to an incident or stopped on the roadway.

When a BCFD #2 unit is actively responding or on scene, Safety Cloud automatically broadcasts a warning to approaching drivers, giving them additional time to recognize the situation and react safely.

These alerts are designed to:

• Reduce collisions involving emergency vehicles and responders
• Increase driver awareness in high-risk roadway environments
• Improve compliance with Washington State Move Over laws

Why BCFD #2 Uses Digital Emergency Alerts

Emergency responders face significant risk when working on or near active roadways. Even with visible warning lights and audible sirens, drivers may not see or react to emergency vehicles in time—particularly in poor weather, heavy traffic, or distracted driving conditions.

By adopting Safety Cloud, BCFD #2 is adding another layer of protection for our personnel and the community. This technology provides drivers with advance notice—up to 30 seconds in many cases—allowing for earlier and safer responses when approaching emergency scenes.

The use of digital alerts is part of BCFD #2’s ongoing commitment to responder safety, operational excellence, and proactive risk reduction.

How Drivers Receive Alerts

Drivers may receive BCFD #2 emergency vehicle alerts through commonly used navigation tools and in-vehicle systems. Alerts are delivered automatically and do not require drivers to follow or subscribe to the District.

Alerts may appear through:

• Waze navigation app
• Apple Maps
• Select in-vehicle infotainment systems, including:
  • 2024 and newer Volkswagen models
  • 2018 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles equipped with Emergency Vehicle Alert System (EVAS)

Availability may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and software version. HAAS Alert continues to expand alert delivery to additional vehicle manufacturers and platforms.

What Drivers Should Do When They Receive an Alert

When a digital emergency vehicle alert appears, drivers should:

• Slow down
• Move over to the next lane when safe to do so
• Remain alert for emergency vehicles and responders working near the roadway

These alerts are intended to supplement—not replace—driver awareness and safe driving practices.

Washington State Move Over Law

Washington State law requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles that are stopped with emergency lights activated. Digital alerts help reinforce this requirement by providing earlier awareness of emergency activity ahead.

Even if you do not receive a digital alert, drivers should always be prepared to safely slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles.

Safety Benefits

According to HAAS Alert, Safety Cloud digital alerts have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of collisions by improving driver awareness and response time. By delivering early warnings directly to drivers, the system helps create a safer environment for responders operating on busy roadways and for the traveling public.

BCFD #2 strongly encourages drivers to use navigation tools such as Waze or Apple Maps—both free-to-use applications—to benefit from these added roadway safety alerts.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to download anything to receive alerts? Drivers may receive alerts automatically through supported navigation apps or vehicle infotainment systems. Availability depends on the platform or vehicle.
• Does this replace lights and sirens? No. Digital alerts supplement traditional emergency warning devices but do not replace lights, sirens, or safe driving practices.
• Will I receive alerts for every emergency call? Alerts are sent when emergency vehicles are actively responding or operating on roadways and conditions meet system criteria.
• Does BCFD #2 track drivers or personal information? No. The system does not collect or store personal driver data.

Learn More

For additional information about the Safety Cloud system, visit the HAAS Alert website at www.haasalert.com