When emergency vehicles are approaching, follow the rules for drivers!

During the first six months of 2005, the Fire Department responded to an average of 168 incidents a day.

In addition, Police and EMSA responded to hundreds of other emergencies.

• Yield to emergency vehicles that are using lights or a siren.
• Pull over to the right side of the road, clear of intersections.
• Stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
• In heavy traffic when traffic is slow or stopped, pull over to the right as much as possible.
• If you're at a red light and an emergency vehicle is coming up behind you, clear a path if possible — but use common sense. If you can't safely clear the way, wait for the light to change. Once you're through the intersection, pull over to the right, stop and wait for the emergency vehcle to pass.
• Fire Department vehicles stop at all red lights and signs before proceeding through intersection. Wait for them to pass.
• Remember there may be more than one emergency vehicle responding to an incident, and coming from more than one direction. If an emergency vehicle passes you, be sure no others are approaching before moving on.
• On interstate highways, don't stop. Pull over into the right hand lane when it's safe to do so. Don't pull over into the median.

Keep the streets safe for our emergency workers and yourself — follow the rules!