SB 1 Use of Sirens and Warning lights

Question 1

Sirens and warning lights may only be used “when engaged in Emergency Operations, what are the 3 examples given to us in this bulletin?

Answer 1

1.2
Sirens and warning lights may only be used “when engaged in Emergency Operations”,i.e.: responding to or operating at an alarm, or relocating to the quarters of another unit.

Question 2

Can we use sirens and warning lights when returning from alarms?

Answer 2

1.3

Sirens and warning lights shall not be used when returning from alarms.

Question 3

ELECTRONIC SIRENS

These devices have three operating modes: Wail, Yelp and High-Low. What modes does the FDNY use?

Answer 3

4.3
THE USE OF THE “HIGH-LOW” MODE ON THE ELECTRONIC SIRENS OF THIS DEPARTMENT IS PROHIBITED. Only the “Wail” or “Yelp” modes shall be used.

Question 4

Generally we use the siren in the ‘wail” mode. What 2 times does this bulletin tell us to switch it from “wail” to “yelp” and then back to “wail depending on conditions?

Answer 4

5.1
In general the siren should be operated in the “Wail” mode, except when encountering
heavy traffic or upon approach to an intersection. Upon approaching an intersection, the siren should be switched from “Wail” to “Yelp”. After all traffic has yielded the right of way and the apparatus proceeds through the intersection, the “Yelp” should be turned off or switched to “Wail”, depending on conditions.

Question 5

Remember, you DO NOT have the right of way until all other vehicles have become aware of your presence and yielded it to you. Merely displaying required warning lights and sounding a siren does not automatically give you the right of way. Who gives us the right of way?

Answer 5

5.5

It is the OTHER DRIVER(S) who give you the right of way.

Question 6

The siren is a low speed warning device linked to about a ___ foot range and speed of
about __ miles per hour.
Fill in the blanks

Answer 6

6.4

The siren is a low speed warning device linked to about a 125 foot range and speed of about 30 miles per hour.