Case Study: How Flex-Safe® Barricades Help First Responders Keep Accident Scenes Safe
“Flex-Safe® barricades have changed how we secure accident scenes. They’re faster, safer, and give drivers a clear signal to slow down. Our crew and community are safer because of them.”
Introduction: A Night Every First Responder Knows
Mark, a volunteer firefighter in a rural township, often finds himself first on the scene of late-night emergencies. His responsibilities are simple but urgent: keep people safe, secure the site, and give fellow first responders space to work.
One night, he arrived at a vehicle accident on a narrow two-lane road. There were no police yet, no roadblocks in place, and traffic continued to rush by dangerously close. In the past, Mark relied on traffic cones and flares. But they weren’t enough.
Cones blew over in the wind. Flares burned out quickly. Drivers often ignored them.
That’s when Mark’s department started using Flex-Safe® foldable barricades.
The Job to Be Done: Protect People and Crews
Why Traffic Cones Alone Aren’t Enough
- Limited visibility: Large orange cones blend into the road, especially at night or in poor weather.
- Not durable: Wind, rain, or snow easily move them.
- Minimal authority: Drivers sometimes ignore cones.
The NFPA 1500 Standard requires a minimum of five cones on every fire apparatus. But cones were never meant to be the only line of defense.
How Flex-Safe® Barricades Make the Difference
- Instant setup: Crews unfold and place barricades in seconds.
- High visibility: Reflective panels and large “ROAD CLOSED” signs stop drivers before they enter danger.
- Stronger presence: A barricade sends a clear message: This area is off-limits.
- Safer for crews: Firefighters spend less time in traffic lanes setting up.
Experience in Action: Mark’s Story
Securing the Scene
With injured passengers waiting for EMS, Mark quickly unfolded two Flex-Safe® barricades and set them across the lane. The bright reflective panels caught headlights long before cars reached the accident zone.
Within minutes, drivers slowed down, moved over, and gave space.
Attaching Safety Signs
Flex-Safe® barricades allowed Mark to attach a “ROAD CLOSED” barricade sign and directional arrows. These signs not only controlled traffic but also guided civilians safely away from danger.
“When I clip a sign to the barricade, drivers instantly know what’s happening. It saves me from waving flashlights or yelling into traffic. The barricade speaks for me.”
— Mark H.
The Results: Trust, Speed, and Safety
- Reduced risk: Oncoming vehicles saw and respected the barricade.
- More control: Crews managed the accident zone instead of fighting with traffic.
- Community trust: Residents felt reassured seeing strong, professional safety barriers.
Mark no longer relies on cones alone. His department now deploys foldable barricades with attachable safety signs at every roadside call.
Authoritative Guidance: Backed by Standards
Fire departments nationwide face the same challenge: balancing NFPA requirements with real-world safety. While traffic cones remain essential, experts recommend using barricades to reinforce cone lines for maximum protection.
Flex-Safe® barricades:
- Meet visibility and durability needs.
- Enhance compliance with NFPA 1500.
- Provide a professional solution trusted by public safety officials.
Q’s and A’s
Q: Are Flex-Safe® barricades a replacement for traffic cones?
A: Not exactly. Cones are required under NFPA 1500. But barricades add visibility, authority, and control that cones alone can’t provide.
Q: How long does it take to set them up?
A2 Less than a minute. They fold out quickly, and one responder can carry and place them without effort.
Q: Can signs really be attached to the barricades?
A: Yes. Flex-Safe® barricades are designed with clips and mounts for signs like “ROAD CLOSED,” directional arrows, or safety warnings. This feature improves communication and protects both crews and civilians.