The flashing light on your car is telling there is a problem. On some vehicles, the light is flashing a two digit code. Your vehicle will NOT require a scan tool for the proper diagnosis. Here's a site that will explain everything you need to know about airbag lights and resetting the system. Once you know the code, you can most likely repair it yourself. There are fairly easy procedures that most people are capable of repairing.
Airbagsolutions.com has the fault code charts to tell you what is wrong! Although it?s a pay site ($14.95/day), it?s a lot cheaper than going to the dealer.
Some vehicle manufacturers accommodate systems without a scanner (like Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Infinity, Honda, Acura, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda & Mercury) . Most all other vehicles require a scan tool for the diagnosis. Here is a link to the list of vehicle and scanner requirements.
Check out these websites also for more info on airbag systems and the light.
Lastly, check your vehicle for recalls through this link.
www.airbagsolutions.com