Senate Passes Dodd's Bill Allowing 'Hi-Lo' Warning Sirens

SACRAMENTO, CA — A bill by state Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would allow police and fire agencies across the state to use European-style "hi-lo" cameras in patrol cars to speed up and improve emergency evacuations during wildfires and other disasters was unanimously approved Thursday by the state Senate.

Existing law restricts the use of hi-lo sirens; Senate Bill 909 would allow all public safety agencies to use the warning sirens for evacuation purposes.

Dodd, a Democrat based in Napa, said a pilot program last year in Napa County showed the warning popularized in England would be highly effective in getting people to flee encroaching wildfires.

"SB 909 will greatly assist us in our continuing effort to make communities safer," Napa County Sheriff Robertson said. "In both rural and urban settings, this bill will allow law enforcement vehicles to be equipped with a siren to help with the notification and evacuation of our community members in a timely manner."

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office also successfully deployed the technique during the Kincade Fire, according to Dodd's office.

SB 909 cleared the Senate on a 39-0 vote and moves next to the Assembly. If approved in the Assembly, it would then go to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk.

"Thank you to my Senate colleagues for recognizing the value of this important tool to keep people safe," Dodd said. "With wildfire season upon us, it’s critical that we are able inform people of the need to evacuate quickly. This siren with its distinctive sound has proven to be indispensable, especially in situations when every second counts."

Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties.