Department sets policy for low-priority responses
On February 9, 1995, the St. Louis (MO) Fire Department began “responding on the quiet”–without lights and sirens–and obeying all traffic regulations for 19 classifications of low-priority and high false-alarm incidents, according to Chief Neil J. Svetanics. Among the types of incidents covered under the new policy are those involving sprinkler alarms, automatic alarms, smoke detectors, rubbish, weeds, and dumpsters. “My concern is for the safety of the firefighters and the general public,” explains Svetanics. “You have to be able to reach the scene before you can even think about dealing with the incident.” The department will continue to respond with lights and sirens in cases where it has been determined that life or real property is involved, Svetanics adds.
