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RANT! ambulances/fire trucks with sirens on at 4am

Started 3 years ago by nuni
Latest reply from arborheightsdad

nuni
Member Profile

Early this morning my husband and I were woken up by either fire trucks or ambulances driving right by our house with their sirens on. Is it really necessary to have the siren on at those hours?? And of course because it was hot we had the window open. I am sure anybody else that had their windows open at that hour got a wake up call as well. Aren't there rules for this type of thing like unless there is traffic they should keep the siren off during these hours?!?!?! It was hell trying to get back to sleep and now I'm exhausted.

Posted 3 years ago #
KBear
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If they are responding to an emergency, yes it is necessary to have the sirens on. You think your sleep is more important than someone else's medical or fire emergency?

Posted 3 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
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I agree with KBear it is very necessary to have sirens on at any time of day/night in the case of an emergency.

Posted 3 years ago #
datamuse
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Aren't there rules for this type of thing like unless there is traffic they should keep the siren off during these hours?!?!?!

No.

Posted 3 years ago #
MrJT
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Nice try. little to no sympathy here.

Posted 3 years ago #
flowerpetal
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Some people are up at this time and heading out the door for work. Imagine pulling out of your driveway onto what is usually a quiet street and rushing down the street at 50 MPH is an aid car or a fire truck without its siren. That might be likely cause for a whole other set of emergency vehicles.
I am an easy-back-to-sleep kind of person and I sympathize with those who are challenged in that way. I get that you are frustrated Nuni, but really!

Posted 3 years ago #
OlMom
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Welcome to life in the city.

Posted 3 years ago #
nuni
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First of all, the emergency vehicles were driving on a main road, not so much a residential street (heading up Sylvan Way).

Second of all, I was telling my story, didn't mean to make it sound like I was trying to get sympathy which I was not. I was ranting about something.

Third, never did I say my sleep is more important than someone's emergency. I am pretty sure that these vehicles can get to where they need to be without waking up the entire neighborhood before 4am. How about maybe turning their siren on when they see a vehicle in their way? Not having it on for the entire length of the trip.

Posted 3 years ago #
JimmyG
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Emergency vehicles when responding "code" are required by law and case law to have both visual and audible signals on (with very few exceptions).

And your needing sleep isn't one of those exceptions.

Posted 3 years ago #
nuni
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Okay thank you JimmyG for that explanation.

The last sentence could have been omitted, but thanks for the first part.

Posted 3 years ago #
swimcat
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I agree with Nuni- I'm sure at that hour the sirens weren't necessary for the duration of the trip. Maybe a portion of it, but not all of it (especially on Sylvan Way!). And if Nuni wants to complain about it, who cares? Most sleep deprived people can be a bit cranky. I know I can be.

Posted 3 years ago #
KBear
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Since the emergency vehicles are going faster than the speed limit, and their drivers don't know when someone might pull out of a driveway or around a blind corner, they need to warn them somehow. It's absolutely necessary. Suggesting it's not is like when people say, "Why didn't the cop just shoot the bad guy in the leg? Why did he have to kill him?" BECAUSE IT'S AN EMERGENCY, FOLKS! There isn't time to second-guess or develop a more neighborly protocol that won't interrupt people's sleep. When someone's house is on fire, or they're bleeding to death, I think the least we can do is put up with some sirens so that help can reach them quickly. How selfish to suggest otherwise!

Posted 3 years ago #
guidosmom
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I live right by nuni and if I had had my windows open I would be complaining too. Nothing worse than not being able to go back to sleep. Which reminds me - RANT to the raccoons who woke me up last Thursday night fighting.

Posted 3 years ago #
JanS
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come live in my neighborhood, near the intersection of Calif. Ave. SW and SW Admiral Way.We have sirens all night long. We're near a fire sstation...it goes with the territory.

Posted 3 years ago #
Dalamar437
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I agree too, I think having sirens blaring at 3am in a quiet area is excessive. Totally understand if a major interesction is being entered or soemthing like this, but sounds to me like the emergency responders were just being inconsiderate. I think they take for granted sometimes how loud the sirens are.

If other people can be synical, stupid, and blow this post out of proportion then darn it, so can I! So let me see just how badly I can miss the point here....
I think Nuni's sleep might be more imporant then someone else's medical emergency. If you get jolted awake early in the morning you might have a heart attack and then they'll just spawned another emgency with their excessive noise. If you don't sleep they might fall asleep while driving and cause a bad accident on the freeway.

But lets just cut the crap, I think that everyone should just die if they have an emergency between the hours of 10pm and 8am. I'm sure the medical people would much rather sleep themselves at those hours anyway. Besides according to some recent statistics there is only a 57% chance an emergency response team will make it to you before you die anyway.

Posted 3 years ago #
christopherboffoli
Member Profile

nuni:

Though this won't bring you immediate relief, I thought you might be interested to know that science is at work trying to remedy the type of issue you are describing.

Just in the way light can be focused in only one direction, sound engineers have recently made some breakthroughs in focusing sound in a single direction or in a narrow beam. In the very near future we may have ambulances with sirens that are directed only in the direction in which they are traveling. Even with their sirens blaring they would be absolutely silent from the sides and back. Or imagine how nice it will be when noisy neighbors can fine tune their thundering home theater system so that only they can hear it and no one else.

This link will take you to a remarkable demonstration of "aiming" sound at a recent TED conference:

http://bit.ly/9GVw

The inventor is Woody Norris, former director of the Engineering Experiment Station at the University of Washington. Actually, I think this technology came out of military research for non-lethal weapons in the form of directed sound beams for crowd control. But his technology is already on the market. I expect you'll see a lot more of it very soon.

Posted 3 years ago #
KBear
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It's one thing to rant about being mistreated in a personal or business transaction. But complaining that you were inconvenienced while someone else was having a serious emergency is callous and selfish.

Posted 3 years ago #
KBear
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"Or imagine how nice it will be when noisy neighbors can fine tune their thundering home theater system so that only they can hear it and no one else"

My neighbors wouldn't make use of that feature. In their minds, it would defeat the purpose of having a thundering home theater system.

Posted 3 years ago #
nuni
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christopher, that is amazing! Thanks for sharing that. :)

KBear - Thank you for you opinion, it has been noted.

Posted 3 years ago #
Trick
Member Profile

I sometimes come home from work at 4am, and sometimes I do wish the sirens were on when I'm heading down 35th. A few times I've had SPD scream past me without sirens, and it's quite startling.
You'd be surprised at the traffic at that time in the morning. Not heavy, but fairly traveled.
I always think, that if it were myself, family member or neighbor, I'd could lose a couple hours of sleep for their life altering emergency.

Posted 3 years ago #
Dalamar437
Member Profile

It's one thing to completely misinterpret a person's point. But interpreting that someone's annoyance with loud noises from an emergency vehicle is in any way connected to someone being callous and selfish is just blowing things way out of proportion.

I just find the assumptions made and negative filters applied in response to this rant amusing. I don't think any of this post is remotely trying to say, "how dare you have a real emergency!" or "the nerve that you'd be suffering at the expense of my sleep!"

People can have their emergencies and hopefully get help. People can also be upset that the emergencies vehicles made it known to probably hundreds of others trying to sleep.

Posted 3 years ago #
KBear
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She has every right to be annoyed with the noise, but she doesn't seem to understand that it's a necessary annoyance. To suggest that the sirens not be used while she's trying to sleep is a disregard for public safety. To me, that's selfish. I think several other posters agreed.

Posted 3 years ago #
Dalamar437
Member Profile

Well I suppose everyone is entitled to their opinion. I disagree that it’s a "necessary annoyance" in this specific circumstance.

Ultimately I think everyone is responsible for being alert and aware of their own surroundings. I don't think it's the responsibility for an emergency response team, especially in the middle of the night.

I would hope that if I had a medical emergency at 3 am, the emergency services would leave their all their lights on. Maybe even make some noise necessary in intersections and possibly alert moving cars in busy areas within reason for public safety. People can drive and be deaf but I'd hope they don't drive while blind.

I would hope they do not wake up 500 people in a residential area on my account. To me THAT is selfish and excessive.

Posted 3 years ago #
WSB
Member Profile

Here's a perspective I don't think anyone else will have.

I'm glad for sirens in the middle of the night because I'm up working till 4, 5 am and hearing sirens in the distance (or closer) is usually the first cue I should check the online 911 log again or turn the scanner up a little louder to make sure it's not something big. We are atop a hill so we hear EVERYTHING, even the train noise from Harbor Island, which is over a hill and four-five miles away.

It's all relative. I'm looking up official regulations, though, since I'm sure this is one of those "Answer Person" questions somebody has asked in a column someplace somewhere.

Posted 3 years ago #
aunteesocial
Member Profile

I'm all for perspectives-- here are a couple more.
Imagine that you are with someone in distress- you can tell them that help is coming, but for the person in need to hear the sirens may help them to know someone will soon be there to care for them.
Or, irreverently, what if you are sick/injured and the ambulance is coming--- it may feel satisfying to get back at the neighbor with that obnoxious home theater system by waking them up at 4am with sirens!

Posted 3 years ago #
Traci
Member Profile

I live under the bridge, across from the recycling/steel factory, within earshot of Alki's motorcycle "gangs", and above a busy restaurant. The sirens are tame!

I moved here expecting the noise, it's part of the package.

Posted 3 years ago #
MargL
Member Profile

Emergency vehicle sirens are exempt from the Seattle Noise Control Ordinance at all times -
http://www.seattle.gov/dclu/codes/noise_ord.pdf

Posted 3 years ago #
sam-c
Member Profile

I do understand the original point. I heard the sirens at 4am. (they didn't wake me up, they only infiltrated and became part of the dream I was having). they did wake up someone else, who in turn woke me up. then shortly following, I heard a helicopter heading in that direction.

I too thought they were exceptionally loud, compared to other sirens I've heard at night-time. and to find out that the sirens were on Sylvan way, I'm surprised, 'cause that's about a mile away, and I'm not on a main drag on the way there.

Also, I've been up for my own insomnia reasons. While up, I've seen a fire truck coming down my street, with lights on, but no siren. So, it seems like there may be scenarios when they turn the siren down.

maybe the sound level depends on the situation, or whoever is driving the truck.

I think that waking up at night is one of the prices you have to pay for living in a city and having city services that are very necessary.

Posted 3 years ago #
WSB
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I nominate MargL for "answer person." Thanks for looking it up, I got sidetracked as often happens.

Posted 3 years ago #
austin
Member Profile

Traci I'm pretty sure that's actually a Robot factory, based on the noises I know robots to make and the fact that the robots sometimes escape and harass my kitties.

Posted 3 years ago #
Kevin
Member Profile

A little trivia for everyone. I have had the need to call 911 on a couple of occasions over the years. We have always asked that they NOT run the siren.
.
I have neighbors that have done the same thing. They (SFD) are generally pretty good about honoring the request for medical issues.
.
Sometimes you don't want to wake up the whole neighborhood.
.
And did you know that while the lights and sirens are "FREE" for 911 calls, private ambulance services such as AMR will actually CHARGE EXTRA if they have to "light it up" as they call it, meaning you or your insurance company pay extra for the lights and siren.
.

Posted 3 years ago #
christopherboffoli
Member Profile

I'd imagine that having to race to the scene of an emergency significantly increases the risk of accidents and endangers the ambulance crew and other drivers on the road. Despite that loud siren and all of those colored flashing lights people STILL do not see emergency vehicles in intersections. Some drivers will also panic and block the road or turn in unpredictable ways when an emergency vehicle approaches. A private company like AMR obviously does not have the deep pockets that a county or city would have to cover the extra liability.

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
Member Profile

If the emergency is at yours and is the kind of emergency where a few seconds could make the difference between life and death.. do you want them to be considerate of your neighbors and drive more slowly so they can avoid using the sirens to warn pedestrians and drivers that they are coming through? probably not.

When your emergency is not quite so immediate... asking them not to use sirens is the considerate and apparently thrifty thing to do. Thanks Kevin for letting us know we have that option.

Posted 3 years ago #
tsunaminw
Member Profile

I would like to see tickets issued to ignorant people who think that while living in the city limits they are entitled to a silent night after choosing to leave a window open. I lived downtown and had sirens 2-4 times a night, and regardless of my sleep it comes with the territory. Those people are going to save a life or a home, and the sirens warn others no matter how few on the road that they are coming, it allows them to get to the destination safer, and faster.
You people need to get a life, if that is the extent of your problems, you have no problems except being a whiny busybody with too much time on your hands.

Posted 2 years ago #
Cait
Member Profile

LOL Tsunami, I agree. I used to live on "Pill Hill" so I guess I'm desensitized. And as someone who rather recently lit her stove on fire I was glad to hear those sirens! Once you can hear them and know they're close you can quit gathering up your cats, fumbling around for your birth certificate and screaming at your boyfriend on the phone about leaving plastic bowls in the oven.

Posted 2 years ago #
Cait
Member Profile

And a little SAT throwback for old times sake:

whiny busybodies : WSB forums about noise :: sirens : the city.

They happen, it's annoying, but it's all part of the great place we call home. KUMBAYA!

Posted 2 years ago #
nuni
Member Profile

tsunami, you don't know me so please keep your insults to yourself. Thanks.

Posted 2 years ago #
nuni
Member Profile

First of all, somebody else even thought the sirens were much louder than normal. It wasn't just me that heard them and thought they were really loud.

Second of all, there are always cops/ambulances/fire trucks driving up my street considering I live across from and right next to an old folks home and the police department right down the street so I am no stranger to sirens what so ever. In this case the siren was exceptionally loud and I thought it was unnecessary considering it was like that the entire way, so unless somebody was being a complete jerk and not letting the ambulance/fire truck/cop by for at least 1/2 a mile (which I don't see that as happening) I didn't really think there was a reason for it to be THAT loud at 4am. That is my personal opinion and if that makes me ignorant then so be it. I don't agree, but that is your opinion. And yes I am going to get snippy when people who don't even know me are insulting me.

This is the last I'm going to comment on this topic.

Posted 2 years ago #
tsunaminw
Member Profile

I like how you focus on the one who agreed and ignored the multiple ones who didn't, selective hearing/reading. You have alot of time on your hands, and if experience is correct karma has a way of giving people something real to complain about just to show them that they didnt really have anything before.

"This is the last I'm going to comment on this topic."
(At least now some of us have something to "Rave" about.)

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
Member Profile

I live within walking distance of 4 senior citizen retirement/nursing facilities and one disabled housing group type home. We have lots of sirens at all hours, even an automatic alarm from the group home. Does it wake me up? Yes. Do I think I;m being harrassed? Absolutely not. It is what it is...I put a pillow over my head and go back to sleep. We all react in different ways, but there really IS a reason for those sirens.It could be someone's life on the line. I suppose it's all in how you look at it...

Posted 2 years ago #
Trick
Member Profile

I'll take sirens over all this ranting anyday.

Keep it down, I'm trying to sleep over here.

Posted 2 years ago #
Bonnie
Member Profile

I wish my kids would stop waking me up in the middle of the night!

Seriously Nuni, sorry you were woken up. It's annoying but a necessary annoyance. Also, keep in mind that when you post to this forum you might not always get the responses you want. I've been there. LOL!

Posted 2 years ago #
B-squared
Member Profile

Earplugs. Seriously.

Posted 2 years ago #
Dalamar437
Member Profile

The original poster simply asked if having loud sirens were necessary and expressed sleepy frustration that resulted from the noise. Many people seem to think they’re necessary and some don’t think they are under certain circumstances. What is out of line is how over-the-top and personal some people seem to be taking this post. What’s ignorant is the presumption that someone’s frustration with being abruptly awoken and bothered is somehow not ok? My understanding is that being upset about something is the entire point of a rant? People are welcome to agree and disagree with it. I don’t think being asked to remain civil is an absurd request.

If people want to interpret this post to somehow mean that people are insensitive to someone having a medical emergency then I suggest they start their own rant to talk about insensitive people. At least this post would remain on topic.

Publicly stating an opinion or frustration doesn’t mean you have too much time on your hands. It doesn’t mean you’re self centered and shockingly… It doesn’t mean you’re insane! It just means you’re human.

Posted 2 years ago #
tsunaminw
Member Profile

Anyone can rant, and the Reply button is for those who disagree and think they should get a life.

And yes, wanting sirens to be turned off because you choose to have your window open and then cant sleep, while someone is in need of immediate emergency care is insane and self centered. And they can always find a few others who agree and think it is reasonable.
Most, don't.

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
Member Profile

to the posters like tsunaminw...nuni is far from crazy. I may disagree with her, but that's my prerogative. The personal crap on here is uncalled for. Who are you to judge this person, or any of us. I suggest we all look in the mirror, and when we find perfection, then maybe we can unload on another person on here.

Having been on the receiving end, I totally understand where you're coming from, Nuni.

Posted 2 years ago #
WSB
Member Profile

Tsunami, if you don't want to follow the rules of our site, your posts will be removed. Simple as that. Seems like you have some important things to say but there is no need to say them insultingly. Lots of places online where they don't have these rules -- but we are proud to be a site where people can disagree and discuss WITHOUT getting singed in the process.

Posted 2 years ago #
tsunaminw
Member Profile

I will do my best to not use the word crazy, but will continue to disagree when someone is unreasonable.

Posted 2 years ago #
WSB
Member Profile

Thank you. Here's our nutshell rule explanation:

It's OK to tell me my rules are idiotic.
It's not OK to call me an idiot or say I am idiotic.

Very fine line. But that's where we draw it. Criticize, critique, disagree with, agree with, applaud, whatever, the ideas ... not the person who voiced them.

Posted 2 years ago #
arborheightsdad
Member Profile

Nuni,

Sorry you were awakened by the sirens. Perhaps it SEEMED louder than normal because of the hour and the fact that you were startled awake.

I have a feeling that you would want aid crews responding with all their lights and sirens if you were in need of assistance, regardless of the hour. I know I would.

Posted 2 years ago #