New Technology in All Seminole County Fire Apparatus Alerts Drivers of Emergency Responses

HAAS Digital Warning System for Road Safety Sends Real-Time Notices to Drivers When Emergency Vehicles Are Close in Proximity 

Seminole County, Fla. (December 12, 2023) – In an effort to enhance road safety and protect first responders and the motoring public, the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) is now integrating HAAS Alert's Safety Cloud® digital alerting into all of its fire apparatus. This collision prevention service delivers real-time alerts to Seminole County drivers when SCFD emergency vehicles are active in the vicinity.

The HAAS system is proven to reduce the risk of crashes with first responders and 

other roadside workers by up to 90%. It also encourages compliance with Florida’s 

Move Over laws, which require drivers to slow down and move one late over when 

approaching emergency vehicles. 

Alerts are accessible via the Waze navigation app and Apple Maps. They may also be integrated into the dashboard of many modern vehicles, including 2008 or newer models for Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge.   

Following discussions with the Florida Department of Transportation and years of field testing, all 112 Seminole County’s emergency response apparatus have been 

integrated with this new technology, including reserve apparatus, through the use of the existing Sierra Wireless MG90 Routers. Use of the service will cost approximately $30,000 annually. 

Local municipal fire departments that SCFD partners with have also been outfitted with 

the system through a technology-sharing initiative contract. The fire departments 

include–Sanford Fire Department, Lake Mary Fire Department,

Oviedo Fire Department, Longwood Fire Department and the Orlando/Sanford 

International Airport Fire Department. 

“The goal of these advanced alerts is to give motorists more situational awareness and time to move over and help protect the safety of our firefighters, citizens, and visitors,” said Seminole County Fire Chief Matt Kinley. “Responding to accidents on busy highways or roads can be particularly challenging for first responders. The combination of limited visibility, high speeds, and unpredictable actions of other motorists increases the risk involved in these situations. Although firefighters are trained to handle emergency scenes and prioritize safety, they must also contend with the potential dangers posed by other drivers who may not be aware of or cautious around the scene.” 

In addition to the safety of firefighters and motorists, apparatus  cost upwards of $1 

million each and could take months to repair or years to replace. Accidents involving 

other vehicles is something fire departments work to avoid from both a safety and cost

standpoint. 

More than 3,000 active fleets use the Safety Cloud and there are over 110 

organizations in Florida and more than 20 in Central Florida utilizing the technology. 

The Seminole County Fire Department reminds all motorists to exercise caution and follow traffic laws when approaching and passing emergency scenes to ensure the safety of both first responders and themselves.  

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For more information about HAAS Alert, visit www.haasalert.com.

About the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD): The Seminole County Fire Department proudly serves a 

County-wide population in Seminole County, Florida of nearly a half-million residents with 20 fire stations. SCFD 

is ISO Class 1 rated and provides emergency services to the unincorporated areas of the County and in the Cities 

of Altamonte Springs, Winter Spring and Casselberry. The Department has first response agreements in place with 

the Cities of Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford and Oviedo. Follow SCFD on social on Facebook (@SCFD.1974), 

Instagram and Twitter (@SCFDPIO). For more information, visit www.seminolecountyfl.gov/firedepartment.