Ocala's Traffic Engineering Division has conducted a training session for emergency first responders teaching them how use a generator to power a signalized intersection.
"Many first responders either have generators on their vehicles or they carry portable ones. We want to show them how they can use their generators to keep the traffic lights at major intersections operating when there are widespread power outages," said Ocala Traffic Engineer Wayne Little.
Non-functioning traffic lights after disasters, for examples, create concerns and add stress to motorists and leave them and pedestrians vulnerable to accidents.
Almost mall ajor intersections in Ocala have a UPS backup power supply to keep lights operating for a few hours. The portable generators would act as a backup system, especially during times of prolonged outages.
