EAST PUTNAM, Conn. (WFSB) - There’s a new way for drivers and first responders to stay safe during emergencies in northeast Connecticut.

Now, alerts can be sent directly to your phone or to the screen in your car.

When the East Putnam Fire Department has its engine out on the road, the alert will notify drivers to slow down and move over.

Sometimes, flashing lights and sirens just aren’t enough.

“To give that initial heads up that something is happening and people need to slow down,” said Dan Majercik, East Putnam Fire Department.

The department has installed a small device aboard Fire Engine 479.

It uses the HAAS Alert Safety Cloud, which transmits alerts to nearby cell phones and in-car touch screens as the engine moves or arrives at a scene.

“While we are working accidents we constantly have people coming up way too fast nearly causing secondary collision, almost hitting our apparatus on scene,” Majercik said.

The alerts will go to Waze and Apple Maps, as well as 2024 or newer Volkswagens and 2018 or newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles.

“Any alerts to get them to slow down a little bit sooner we will definitely take advantage of,” said Majercik.

This technology is being used by a few departments up in Massachusetts.

Here in Connecticut, East Putnam fire is one of the first to use it.

It is fairly low-cost to the 100% volunteer department.

“If it takes an extra couple of seconds to get where you are going, then take the extra couple of seconds. Our members want to go home at the end of the day,” Majercik said.

The goal is to eventually add it to other apparatus in the department.