By SANDRA M. KLEPACH
Akron Beacon Journal
When the address markings are hidden from view, flashing lights will lead the way.
At least that’s the hope of the Copley Township Fire Department, which is giving away special light bulbs to make it easier to find homes on emergency calls.
The Emergency Beacons, purchased through state grant money and business donations, are being offered free to township residents. They typically sell for about $20 online.
What makes these light bulbs so costly is that when flipped on and off twice, a microchip makes them flash.
And after they are turned off, the beacons revert to regular 60-watt bulbs. They fit in most front porch lights.
Distributing the bulbs this time of year made sense to Copley Township Fire Department firefighter/paramedic Chris Bower.
``Fall’s a good time for something like this because it seems like things kind of slow down. People tend to pay more attention to these preparatory things,’' Bower said.
The bulbs have been a hot item in Cuyahoga Falls, where they have been offered since 2003. There residents can redeem cards for both a free fluorescent bulb and an Emergency Beacon.
About 1,000 went out the first year, said Jan Myers, assistant superintendent for the Cuyahoga Falls Electric System.
To further assist police and fire, Falls Fire Chief Mark Snyder said, property owners should have their addresses posted in numerals, not script, that are easily seen from the street.
``People don’t think, `How easy is it going to be to see my address if it’s 3 in the morning and the fire department has to come here?’ '' Bower said.
Within the month, officials plan to install the bulbs at the homes of Lifeline subscribers.
Bower said others who should seriously consider Emergency Beacons include the elderly, people with chronic medical problems, and families with special needs children.
Emergency Beacons can be picked up at the Copley Fire Department’s Station 1, 1540 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, during regular business hours.