By Iola Fire and Ambulance

Have you ever seen someone driving behind you with a red or red/white flashing light? What does that red or red/white light mean?

In Wisconsin flashing red or red/white lights displayed (with no blue flashing lights) on a vehicle indicates a volunteer firefighter, EMS or First Responder is responding to a 911 call in their personal vehicle. They are responding to their firehouse, or to the scene to provide the manpower needed for the emergency.

If you see a passenger car with a flashing red or red/white light, please consider treating it like any other emergency vehicle; we (your Community Fire, EMS and First Responders) are requesting the right of way – this is a courtesy light. When it is safe to do so, please pull over to the right and come to a complete stop, so that we may travel safely past.

Many people don’t realize what these flashing red or red/white lights are for. Every second counts. Help us help you. You never know, we could be responding to an emergency for a friend, or one of your loved ones.