Vehicular sound processing system

A sound processing system for use in an automotive vehicle of the type which includes at least one door and at least one door-lock comprises at least one sound sensor coupled to the vehicle for receiving a sound external to the vehicle, an alert generator for notifying an occupant of the vehicle when the external sound is an emergency signal, and a door control module coupled to at least one door-lock for unlocking at least one door. A sound processor is coupled to the sound sensor, the alert generator, and the door control module and receives and compares the external sound to first and second sets of characteristics. The sound processor activates the alert generator if the sound substantially matches the first set and the door control module if the sound substantially matches the second set.