Amassing Mass Notification Know-How

University, school and hospital administrators must understand the mass notification/emergency communication codes, planning process and available technologies. Conducting a thorough risk analysis and making the most of its findings is key.

May 31, 2011 CS Staff

All photos courtesy of ATI Systems.

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Combining Fire Alarm, ECS & MNS

At this point in time, a layered approach using a fire alarm/ECS and an integrated distributed recipient notification system is considered the best solution for reaching the largest number of occupants. However, the sequence of notifications (from all systems) must be considered, and any potential delays in the transmission of communications must be minimized. For these reasons, all systems should be integrated and coordinated with a facility’s emergency plan (see sidebar on risk analysis and emergency planning).

In the midst of an emergency, flashing strobes accompanied by live or prerecorded audible instructions tend to have a much higher impact on occupants. At the same time, highly visual signs in large areas of assembly can offer information specific to the emergency or display a simple message such as “evacuate.” To deliver voice instructions to those outside, large speaker clusters can be installed on the exterior of a building or throughout a campus.

Utilizing a combination of audible and visual notification devices, such as strobes, voice communications (indoor speakers and Giant Voice) and programmable LED signage is seen as the most intrusive solution for capturing the attention of occupants and delivering a clear, audible message.

For multiple buildings or campuses spread across a city, state or even the globe, some fire alarm manufacturers have harnessed the latest voice over IP (VoIP) technology, delivering live voice messages to anywhere in the world via the Internet. These state-of-the-art systems employ one or more workstations from which security or facilities personnel can send emergency communications via VoIP.

Fire alarm system manufacturers and installers work within a tightly regulated industry that was the first to create requirements for the design and installations of ECS for commercial properties. The marriage of ECS and fire alarm control systems is a growing trend that is expected to continue reaching into larger varieties of facilities and multibuilding properties, including K-12 schools, high-rise buildings, mass transit hubs and even public gathering places such as theatres, restaurants and places of
worship.

Risk Analysis and Emergency Planning

By Jack Poole

When an emergency communication system (ECS) is required to be installed in accordance with the 2010 edition of NFPA 72, a risk analysis is required to be performed. The primary intent of the risk analysis is to perform a comprehensive assessment to characterize the likelihood, vulnerability and magnitude of incidents associated with natural, technological and manmade disasters, and other emergencies. It can then be determined how to best communicate the “real-time” emergency notification information so the ECS can be properly designed, installed and tested following a performance-based approach.

It is recommended the following stakeholders be integrated in the risk analysis and decision-making process:

Authority Having Jurisdiction
Facility owner/user/employees
Facility/system maintenance staff
Emergency response representatives
Insurance company representative
Fire protection design professional (FPE)
Design and construction team representative

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