Citation

Wilse J. IMSA J. 2003; 41(4): 48-50.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, International Municipal Signal Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Solar powered flashing beacons with radio links have proven to be an economical and reliable approach to fire station safety. In addition to eliminating the need for hardwiring signals to AC power or to a central control point, these systems also make use of economical LED lamps and improved and cheaper license-free radio links. Two types of systems are currently available to fire stations: Type I which consists of one or two amber beacons located in advance of the station, and Type II which features a combination of amber and red lamps placed in advance or immediately in front of the station. The systems can be remotely activated in three ways: using a handheld radio transmitter, a wall-mounted transmitter, or an optical detector unit with a radio transmitter. While handheld or wall-mounted radio transmitters are more common, optically-activated preemption systems are becoming more frequently used. A vast improvement over static warning devices, solar powered fire station flashers have been shown to improve response times and alert motorists when emergency vehicles are leaving the station.