The New Melle Fire Protection District has recently partnered with Mr. Hank Hermosillo to bring to its residents an optional free emergency beacon program. Hermosillo, a St. Peters resident, began the Emergency Beacon Program in St. Peters through a partnership with the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging (MEAAA), the City of St. Peters, and the financial support of different businesses, organizations, and private individuals. MEAAA will also partner with Hermosillo for the New Melle FPD application of the program.
The benefit of this program is that it helps emergency responders to more quickly locate your residence. The emergency beacon device quickly changes your front porch light to a flashing signal that can be rapidly found by emergency responders. The simple light switch, or an adapter that accomplishes the same effect, is installable by the resident and free for all New Melle Fire Protection District residents who request it.
Under normal circumstances, the switch or adapter allows your porch light to work like a standard light. However, in an emergency, you would simply move the light switch to the emergency position, or if using the adapter, flip the switch off and on three times, and the connected light instantly becomes a flashing signal. This then helps firefighters, police, and ambulance personnel more quickly find your home, and also alert neighbors and passers-by to an emergency situation.
It’s ideal for any home, especially those with seniors, children, or the disabled. Most importantly, it means that once you’ve called for help, you don’t have to leave your home or the person in distress to go outside and signal your location to emergency responders.
The emergency beacon is not a substitute for dialing 9-1-1; it is to be activated following your 9-1-1 call and getting help on the way. Parents who have young children should take the time to instruct them how and when to activate the flashing light system.
To get your free emergency beacon switch or adapter, or to get more information on the device or program, stop by the New Melle Fire Protection District Station House 1 at 3705 Mill Street, New Melle, MO 63365, or call 636-828-5528.