Cicero Fire

Department
Training
Division

SAFE PARKING WHILE

OPERATING IN OR NEAR TRAFFIC
VEHICLES
SOP 19-003
 It shall be the policy of the Cicero Fire
Department to position apparatus at the
scene of emergencies in a manner that
best protects the work area, patients and
emergency personnel from vehicle traffic
and other hazards.

What are some of the Hazards and

Threats we face when operating in traffic?
Apparatus positioning must also allow
for adequate parking space for other
fire apparatus (if needed), and a safe
work area for emergency personnel.
Allow enough distance to prevent a
moving vehicle from knocking fire
apparatus into the work areas.

Where possible, angle apparatus at

a 45 degree angle from the curb.
To protect pump operator,
position apparatus with the
pump panel on the opposite
side of on-coming traffic.
Oftentimes two or more sides may
need to be protected. Prioritize
placement of the apparatus by
blocking from the most critical to
the least critical side.

Once enough fire apparatus have “blocked”

the scene, park or stage unneeded vehicles
off the street whenever possible.
Oftentimes two or more sides may need
to be protected. Prioritize placement of
the apparatus by blocking from the
most critical to the least critical side
 1. For NIGHTTIME

Things to
operations, turn OFF
fire apparatus
headlights.

Remember at a
2. Always wear an
ANSI-compliant safety
vest any time you are
operating in or near

scene
vehicle traffic.
3. Place traffic cones
at the scene to
direct traffic.
Traffic cones should be placed farther apart, with
the last cone approximately 160 feet “upstream”,
to allow adequate warning to drivers. Place and
retrieve cones while facing the traffic.

The placement of traffic cones for nighttime

operations greatly enhances scene safety. Listed
below are some general recommendations for the
start of traffic cones:
Speed Distance
25 mph 65 feet
40 mph 105 feet

60 mph 160 feet

Four-Lane Roadways:
Where need be, the four-
lane roadway can be
completely shut down.
The minimum required emergency response to an
emergency on a four-lane roadway (Cicero Ave,
Ogden Ave, Pershing Rd., etc.) will be:
 
Two (2) Engine Companies (following fire district
boundaries)
One (1) Truck Company (area truck company by
district)
One (1) Ambulance (initially; more may be dispatched
as needed)
One (1) Platoon Chief (F-12)
Provide specific direction to Cicero Police
and/or CSOs as to what traffic control
needs you have. Position EMS and
Engine/Truck Companies to protect patient
loading areas.
Where possible, park EMS and Engine/Truck
Companies directly in front of residence to
protect patient loading areas.