Fire Truck WHINE

[aimefisher]

Just because we are the last house before the stop light ( which is still 2 blocks away ) you don't need to add more siren power right in front of us. :eek: :eek: :eek: The sound makes you jump from your seat every time it happens.

[DivineMsDi]

Can I add my favorite fire truck whine? Why, oh, why do they have to be so loud at 6 am on a SUNDAY. Don't get me wrong. I think they are wonderful to work for free(it's volunteer here)...but sometimes it seems they are VERY loud on Sundays. How many people are on the road at 6 am on a Sunday?

[BigLyd1]

We live close to a fire station and a hospital. And I guess I'm just weird but I love the sounds of a fire truck. I guess because I know they're on their way to helping somebody. I get more irritated at the people who don't get out of the way.

[schsa]

It's because the idiots on the road won't give way. Plus they have to alert everyone in the intersection that they are going through. If people would just get out of their way, it would be so much easier.

[amysusi]

I wanna add to that. We live on a very busy street, though there is no one out at 2 am. Is the siren really necessary at 2 am? There are about 7 houses across the street to the east of us, and 7 apartment complexes to the west. That's alot of people to wake up.

And to add to schsa's point, it's really sad that ppl won't move. During rush hour just yesterday, I saw only one person pull over for the fire truck going by my house. Everyone else was speeding down the road with it.

[buttrfli]

We have a fire station RIGHT behind us (I won't even mention the major airport right down the street) and I am SO glad to be moving! I live in a large city and I bet the fire trucks roll at least 8 times betweem 10pm and 6am. I am kind of used to it... meaning it does not bother me as much as it used to, and I no longer wake up at night, but try having a phone conversation when the station bells are going off and the the trucks start the sirens! LOL :eek:

... same goes with the airport, I literally have to ask people to "hang on" when I am on the phone because I can't hear anything. I have gotten used to the air force jets (just a little further up from the commercial port), I have their schedule memorized. 10:45 am 5 to 6 jets take out at ear blasting sound. So I know not to be on the phone right then LOL

did I say I wan't going to mention the airports?? my bad! ;)

[aimefisher]

We used to live right next to Langley Air Force Base ane the race track was on the other side of the base. Plus at one time we were under the international flight path for Norfolk international Airport. I am used to loud noises. It just seems with these trucks that even though they have the sirens going they add more power to it. Makes me jump.

[evrita]

It isnt more power it is probally a differnt sound. You also dont know if there are people out at night or if it is their SOP to do it in certain spots intesections. Maybe they have had problem with people not paying attention in that area. I know it can be nerve wracking.I am sure the people who live near our qrtrs must just love it . Our crew doesnt run sirens at night.

[tsquared]

I am just thankful there is a fire truck!!!

[MamaFairal]

which leads me to ask....

Is a bell?
Is a bell nessecary on a fire truck.........LOL

[lassss]

My BF lives half a block from the railroad tracks. The first time I stayed the night, I jumped outta bed when the engineer sounded his horn. They come by I swear every 15 minutes but am getting used to it.

[ShayShay]

I live right before an intersection too, so even if they don't have the sirens on, they turn them on right in front of my apt. Makes me jump sometimes too, but I think it's SOP to use the sirens through the intersections here in Phoenix, just in case anyone is coming. I'm am pretty much used to it now though.

[Syrinx]

I live on Main St. I think every fire truck, ambulance or police car in the city goes by in front of my apartment. It's only really annoying in the summer when we have the windows open, but at least our bedroom is at the back of the apartment (not facing the street) so they don't wake us up at night.

My only big noise whine is that we live across the street from the university music building... and in August/September the marching band's drum corps practices directly across from our living room. The cats hate it, and I can't say I enjoy it much either!

[kelly12569]

I am just thankful there is a fire truck!!!

Amen. Im sure if my house was on fire and they didnt run a siren and a car pulled out in front of them because they didnt hear them coming , caused an accident, delayed the fire truck getting to my house in time to save a life, etc.... I may not mind that siren as much.


JMO :eek:

[freeby4me]

Theres only one thing I hate about hearing sirens of a firetruck or an ambulance. The only reason they get called is cause someone is hurt and they're going to save them. I always say a prayer for the person they're rushing to save. :(

[Katt]

Amen. Im sure if my house was on fire and they didnt run a siren and a car pulled out in front of them because they didnt hear them coming , caused an accident, delayed the fire truck getting to my house in time to save a life, etc.... I may not mind that siren as much.


JMO :eek:

EXACTLY!

[aimefisher]

This fire department is the best in the area. They get there faster than the PD usually. They do very well. I know I will get used to it after awhile.

[tsquared]

This fire department is the best in the area. They get there faster than the PD usually. They do very well. I know I will get used to it after awhile.
Most people wanna complain because of the sirens when there is not a fire, however when it is their place on fire nothing matters anymore and all of the sudden at times the firemen are called nasty names........which i know from experience.......went to a familes house burning out in the country, stepped off the truck and the lady immediately called me every name in the book and i was there to help.........so thank the Lord for all Emergency people and their sirens.

[freeby4me]

You came to help save her house and she was calling you terrible names T? How horrible. :(

[tsquared]

You came to help save her house and she was calling you terrible names T? How horrible. :(
Yea that was the case and i know how she felt..just like any of us would when our possessions go up in flames......no one is quick enough. She later appologized, but i knew how heartbroken she felt. Pretty tough to stand and watch your belongings go up in flames and have that helpless feeling inside.

[EricsnKy]

I am sorry but I am going to have to disagree here.


Are people really complaining about the siren on a firetruck ? I HAVE To be confused here !

These people are in these trucks on their way to SAVE SOMEONES LIFE or to save someones home. And we have the audacity to sit here on our pc's and complain about something like this ?

I am not trying to flame ( no pun intended ) or anything in that regard. But I am just shocked, literally.

I think there is something here I am missing, there has to be!

:eek: :confused:

[Katt]

My complaint was for when they late at night with sirens on "escort" the winning team from state right passed my house waking up the whole house. Not just one fire engine either, at least 3 fire engines, at least 1 police car, and even sometimes an ambulance..that is the only time it grates on my nerves.

Sounds like your gripe is with the city, not the FD. If they are asked by the city to "escort" then it's their job to. They don't have a choice in the matter. Well, they do, then all the politics of ticking off your city government comes into play.

I would write a letter to your city manager.

[freeby4me]

OK, I understand you now T and yes I do agree. It would be very difficult to sit and watch that happen but you were there to help, Not hurt. Im sure its some comfort when they apologize later. :)

[sea-shell]

We live 1 block from our fire department - it is basically in our back yard. My 18 year old is a volunteer fireman so we also have the scanner and beeper on at all times. When he gets a call and goes and blows the whistle I thank GOD that there are men like him who risk their own lives to hopefully save someone else's. Yes I am a proud mom!

[EMSnurse]

OK, I DRIVE one of those trucks, so I'll fill you in....1) the reason we use the siren even at 2am when there is very little traffic is because it only takes ONE vehicle who didn't see/hear us to create a tragedy. 2) It's the law- we have to use the siren upon approaching an intersection. I'm pretty certain if it were your house on fire or loved one hurt, the approaching siren would be a comforting sound indeed. I apologize to anyone I have ever, or ever will wake up while responding to an emergency. 3) Escorting the winning team home: do you have any idea what a thrill that is for those kids? They are letting us be part of memories they will carry into adulthood, as will your little ones when they get to that age. It's only a few times a year, do you really want to deprive the kids of that joy?Please just stop and think, our job is hard enough as it is. Put yourselves in the shoes of the person we are on our way to help for just a minute....

[tsquared]

OK, I DRIVE one of those trucks, so I'll fill you in....1) the reason we use the siren even at 2am when there is very little traffic is because it only takes ONE vehicle who didn't see/hear us to create a tragedy. 2) It's the law- we have to use the siren upon approaching an intersection. I'm pretty certain if it were your house on fire or loved one hurt, the approaching siren would be a comforting sound indeed. I apologize to anyone I have ever, or ever will wake up while responding to an emergency. 3) Escorting the winning team home: do you have any idea what a thrill that is for those kids? They are letting us be part of memories they will carry into adulthood, as will your little ones when they get to that age. It's only a few times a year, do you really want to deprive the kids of that joy?Please just stop and think, our job is hard enough as it is. Put yourselves in the shoes of the person we are on our way to help for just a minute....
Ummmmmmmmm not me i will never apologize for waking someone up when heading to an emergency. Sorry if i make anyone mad on that statement, but saving a life is more important than sleep in my book.

[aimefisher]

I do understand why the sirens are used. I have neede help myself several times. I am only complaining because it is a new sound for us when they add more volume to it right out front here. It gives you a bit of a jolt ( or in the middle of the night a wake up call ). I know we will get used to it in time.

[ahippiechic]

I'm from a small town and when we 1st moved to Phoenix, all the sirens took some getting used to, but it doesn't really bother me now. We live between the fire station and an intersection so we hear them a lot. They used to scare my DD, but I would tell her they were on their way to help someone, so she's not afraid of them now.

Back home, I was a dispatcher for awhile and I know how grateful those people on the other end of the line are when they hear those sirens getting closer.

[annie169]

Not sure if you all know this or not, but the different modes/sounds of the fire trucks, ambulances, etc. are for different modes of emergencies. I know they are SUPPOSED to blare each time they enter into an intersection due to the type of emergency they are responding to. Being a certified EMT for 3 years in the State of Utah, I'm dam proud to hear those sirens knowing they are out protecting us in every situation and emergency.

[llbriteyes]

I love all those sounds. They soothe me. We live in a small town across from the station. I lived in the same situation when I was growing up. Between that and the train tracks, I sleep like a baby.

Linda

[FireFox1973]

Okay, I know I'm the resident firegal here, so let me answer a few questions:

1. In NJ it is law to run w/lights, and department sop (Standard operarting procedure) to run w/ sirens. It's a safety thing.

2. There are more than one type of siren. Some are mechanical, and some are electric. There are different tones, so they can be changed as a better alert for oncoming traffic.

3. At 2:00 AM it will be the drunks on the street entering that intersection, or the poor guy who works 2 jobs and is half asleep driving home, as well as other responding members of fire & ems. We need to do it.

4. I am a past officer and a 7.5 year veteran of my department. When I took guys out to qualify on apparatus, I fail them for no sirens approaching an intersection. I drive eight different types of equipment, all with air brakes. Did you know I do not need a CDL to operate this equipment? Firefighters are exempt from CDL's. All of our apparatus have airbrakes, and let me tell you, if you have never driven something with airbrakes, it is a night and day difference. Our tanker hold 3,167 gallons of water. Add that to the air brakes, throw in some snow or rain. I can't stop on a dime, I want you to know I am coming.

5. Our Aerial is a 3/4 of a million dollar piece of equipment. The town frowns on it when you have preventable accidents.

6. At 2:00 AM when the siren wakes you up, you can go back to sleep. I don't know if I will even come home. It is the chance we all take to keep everyone else safe.

I will get off my soap box. Just want to let you guys in on a firefighter's view. Yes, we are a royal pain in the ass, but we do it for your safety, as well as the safety of the 6-8 guys we are driving!

[freeby4me]

Thank you Firefox, You guys and girls deserve to be on top of that soap box. :)

[EMSnurse]

LOL....Tsquared, I was being a bit sarcastic when I apologized. Sirens are just a fact of life.

[evrita]

Okay, I know I'm the resident firegal here, so let me answer a few questions:

1. In NJ it is law to run w/lights, and department sop (Standard operarting procedure) to run w/ sirens. It's a safety thing.

2. There are more than one type of siren. Some are mechanical, and some are electric. There are different tones, so they can be changed as a better alert for oncoming traffic.

3. At 2:00 AM it will be the drunks on the street entering that intersection, or the poor guy who works 2 jobs and is half asleep driving home, as well as other responding members of fire & ems. We need to do it.

4. I am a past officer and a 7.5 year veteran of my department. When I took guys out to qualify on apparatus, I fail them for no sirens approaching an intersection. I drive eight different types of equipment, all with air brakes. Did you know I do not need a CDL to operate this equipment? Firefighters are exempt from CDL's. All of our apparatus have airbrakes, and let me tell you, if you have never driven something with airbrakes, it is a night and day difference. Our tanker hold 3,167 gallons of water. Add that to the air brakes, throw in some snow or rain. I can't stop on a dime, I want you to know I am coming.

5. Our Aerial is a 3/4 of a million dollar piece of equipment. The town frowns on it when you have preventable accidents.

6. At 2:00 AM when the siren wakes you up, you can go back to sleep. I don't know if I will even come home. It is the chance we all take to keep everyone else safe.

I will get off my soap box. Just want to let you guys in on a firefighter's view. Yes, we are a royal pain in the ass, but we do it for your safety, as well as the safety of the 6-8 guys we are driving!


As amazing as it seems some people do know this. I also think EMSnurse said it well too. I dont know if it isnt sirens it is kids screaming or jake brakes on TT units or a barking dog they are all sounds we have to get used to I hope it gets better amie soon you probally wont notice it at all

[kimmylg]

I've been a volunteer Firefighter/EMT for 15 years. In NC it is also the law that if you have the cherries (red lights) on, (which you'd better if going on a call) you must have the siren on.

:)

[MsLynn]

well i know from experience, that when i'm on a 9-1-1 call with a hysterical caller, nothing calms them down like hearing the sirens. we live in a very rural county so its nice when they can hear them from a couple miles away. it sure helps me get info i need from them...

when i lived in OKC, i lived almost right across the street from a fire station (13th & meridian) for those who know the area. and thats when my 1st son was born, and i guess from living there when i was pregnant with him, he never once woke up from the sirens, lol and to this day can still sleep through anything..