Bright Idea Will Guide Washington Emergency Personnel

While emergency personnel across the country traditionally install smoke detectors, firefighters in a Washington community are adding light bulbs to their list.

Just as lighthouse beacons direct ships, the flashing lights will help College Place fire and rescue personnel find residences where someone has called for help. "These aren't your typical light bulb, " said Chief Patrick Shipp.

After the switch is turned on and off three times, the bulb starts flashing. "We were thinking of a way to cut down on response time, and I think we've come up with a solution. How much time is wasted looking for numbers. You often drive right past the house."

The College Place Fire Department pitched their bright idea, and won a $53,000 Fire Act grant to purchase the 4,000 lights. "We've been told that no one else has a program like this."

Their large order apparently surprised 911 Beacon, manufacturers of the lights. "We have six cases, and we're waiting for four more."

Dispatchers in the local emergency communications center who answer the 9-1-1 calls will be asking the people calling for help to activate the light. "We're hoping that if they can dial the phone, they'll be able to hit the switch. But, we know that won't always happen..."

Shipp said every house and apartment will get a light. "This is a big conservation area around here. So, some people will be putting their lights inside near a door or window. As long as we can see it, it doesn't matter."

The lights that don't really have to burn unless it's to signal emergency personnel are supposed to last for 2,000 hours. Shipp said his department may seek additional funding from other sources to help pay for replacement bulbs.

The 42 member department with daytime career staffing handled nearly 1,000 calls last year. "This has been great public relations for us. We never imagined..."

Shipp said the community has embraced the enlightening idea.

"Seconds count in this business."