We respectfully ask the city of Duncan to find a quiet way to call out firefighters -- one that would better protect the health of both firefighters and members of the nearby downtown community.

Some in this neighbourhood suffer from war-related PTSD. 

Medical staff and other shift workers need to sleep during the day. 

Neighbours of the fire station have heard this unbearably loud noise up to five times in a single day. It is disruptive, stressful and bad for our health.

A single exposure to loud noise can damage hearing.

It is a completely unnecessary assault on our ears. It frightens and even traumatizes tourists, visitors and hapless passersby. 

Loud noise can cause lasting, serious harms, both to firefighters and members of the surrounding community.  Those forced to hear loud noises such as air raid sirens can suffer health consequences such as:

- elevated cortisol levels

- worsened mental health, increasing irritability and anxiety

- more miscarriages;  delayed cognitive and physical development in fetuses and children

- damaged nerve endings, which can result in diminished cognition and even dementia

- elevated blood pressure, hypertension and adrenaline levels

- damaged cells in the ears;  noise-induced hearing loss

- the heart can be thrown out of rhythm, which can lead to blood clots, stroke, and even heart failure

- elevated stress hormones, which weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to colds, infections, and can worsen stress-related conditions like diabetes and ulcers.

Noises 40 decibels or louder may draw complaints.  Air raid sirens are much louder – typically 135 decibels. 

"Causal relationships have been discovered between noise and psychological effects such as annoyance, psychiatric disorders, and effects on psychosocial well-being. 

Exposure to intense levels of noise can cause personality changes and violent reactions. Noise has also been shown to be a factor attributed to violent reactions."        -- (Quoted from ‘Health Effects’ article below)

Loud noises can also harm birds and animals in similar ways to humans. (See article below)

Tens of thousands of fire fighters successfully operate without using World War II technology. 

We are confident that Duncan can too.

 

(Please note that donations go to Change.org to help keep their service afloat, not to this local petition group.)

Reference articles:

Health effects from noise, Wikipedia: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_from_noise

Loud noises aren't just annoying, they're bad for your health:

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/loud-noises-bad-for-your-health

How Does Loud Noise Affect Wildlife? 

https://enviroliteracy.org/how-does-loud-noise-affect-wildlife/