THE SOUNDS OF FIRE SAFETY : FIRE TRUCK STYLE
The theme for Fire Prevention Week in Canada this year is “ Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety .” In recognition of this important annual event , our team here at Metalfab has decided to spotlight the new sounds of fire safety fire truck style . In this article , we ’ re going to explore the various audible warnings to look out for on new fire trucks . If you are approaching the time to upgrade one or more of your fire trucks , we also invite you to take this opportunity to consider the sounds of fire safety your department would like to include on your next unit .
Today , there are a variety of audible warnings associated with fire trucks . The most common audible warnings on current NFPAcompliant units are electronic sirens , mechanical sirens , deep tone sirens , and air horns . The latest standard in audible warning systems is designed to bring you the highest level of safety available to your community with current technology . Each of these options have different features that may or may not be the right fit for your department .
ELECTRONIC SIRENS
Electronic sirens are available from numerous brands and come in a variety of styles . Most electronic siren options utilize a single tone for the majority of the time in use , but they have several other tones available to enhance attention-capture capabilities . These sirens also have the ability to broadcast voice through the system so your crew can speak to passersby on their way to or on the site of a fire . Speakers for electronic sirens come in varying wattages , so be sure to discuss with your manufacturer how many watts are appropriate for your department .
MECHANICAL SIRENS
Mechanical sirens have a very distinct sound designed to alert motorists and pedestrians in the fire truck ’ s path . These sirens emit a lower frequency signal , which enables the sound to travel over a longer distance and lets your community hear you coming sooner . The downside to these sirens is that they require a large electrical draw for use , which can be prohibitive for some departments . They are , however , ideal for departments in bustling communities where having that early warning to get out of your fire truck ’ s way is an asset .
If a mechanical siren is the right fit for your department , consider opting for the Federal Q2B , which is the most popular choice among our customers and produced by one of our very trusted partners ,
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