New service alerts Bartlett drivers about emergency vehicles

Residents and drivers in Bartlett can receive digital alerts on their mobile devices whenever Bartlett Fire Protection District vehicles are active nearby via a new service made possible for the district through a local grant.

"Safety Cloud" by HAAS Alert is intended to protect firefighters and improve driver awareness by sending notifications to motorists approaching active fire department equipment.

According to the fire district, the new service will help drivers comply with "Move Over" laws so that first-responders can travel safely to their emergency calls.

"We're committed to the safety of our firefighters and the people they serve," Deputy Fire Chief Brian Becker said in a news release. "This service from HAAS Alert will make roads safer for the entire community. We're asking everyone to do their part and watch out for emergency vehicles on the roadway."

"Safety Cloud" alerts are sent through the Waze app in mobile devices and some in-dash systems to drivers when they come within a quarter mile of active fire department vehicles.

The alerts soon will be delivered through other navigation services as well, and eventually in the dashboards of new vehicles, according to the fire district.