Luz azul de vida: Rescate!
Did you know that in the most remote parts of the U.S.-Mexico border region in Arizona, there are 34 solar-powered beacons with blinking blue lights visible for 10 miles at night. The have a red button on the pole whose only call goes to CBP-Border Patrol.
And they save lives.
Agents at the Ajo Border Patrol Station received notification that a rescue beacon was activated at about 4:00 a.m. Saturday, and they sent an agent to investigate. Approximately 30 minutes later, the agent reported finding one uninjured adult male at the rescue beacon.
The man claimed to have crossed the border illegally as part of a larger group, but was abandoned and got lost when he was unable to keep up with the rest of the group members.
More on the devices, also known as “Panic Poles”
The beacons range from 22 to 30 feet tall (to be seen from a distance), and are powered through externally-mounted solar panels. They are intended to be placed on open, flat terrain. [6] Each pole has a box mounted with a red button which sends out a radio signal to the U.S. Border Patrol. On the top of the pole is a high-visibility light, which blinks every 10 seconds, as well as triangular pieces of polished stainless steel that reflect sunlight during the day. Placards on the beacons contain messages in Spanish, Mandarin and English such as: “You are in danger of dying if you do not summon for help,” and “If you need help, push red button. U.S. Border Patrol will arrive in one hour. Do not leave this location.” The placards also contain a picture symbolizing a person in distress pushing the button.
The beacons also provide benefits to non-immigrants such as lost hikers, local residents, and tourists.
