FDAS | Emergency Communication Systems

 

Emergency Communication Systems (ECS) are designed to alert and evacuate occupants of a building in case of emergency situations. This is a segment of an Fire Detection and Alarm System that broadcasts the existence of a fire or an emergency situation, or sends information necessary to facilitate an appropriate action.

ECS Basic Types

Emergency Voice Alarm Communication (EVAC)
This is a segment of an Fire Detection and Alarm System that broadcasts information during an emergency to the occupants of a building or facility and instructs appropriate actions to them, such as evacuating. it is conveyed by audible or visible means, or both.

Two-way Emergency Communications System
This is a segment intended for use by the building fire safety personnel or by the fire fighters and first responders to both exchange information and to communicate information, such as condition of local environment, condition of persons, to give assurance that help is on the way, or any other instructions.

Emergency communication systems can be use a combination of voice calls, text messaging, email, flashing strobe lights, an alpha-numeric signs to alert and instruct occupants of critical incidents on an area. With real-time notifications sent direct alerts to an occupant’s cell phones or to a computer, they are alerted to react swiftly. A modern ECS allows occupants decide the safest path to exit a facility to avoid an active fire threat. They can tell others to stay away from a facility until a fire threat is clear.

An ECS can work in tandem with other company's electronics system as well, but also advises them on the nature of the emergency and provides instructions on the correct actions to take.

An ECS provides flexible solutions to protect employees during a potential threat. Upon detection of fire or impending natural disaster (such as a tornado or earthquake), the ECS sends an alert tone over speakers, alerting occupants to the message that will follow. The system then plays a pre-recorded audio message providing evacuation or shelter-in-place directions. The tone and message are accompanied by flashing strobe lights and scrolling LED signs located in areas of congregation. The messaging mirrors the spoken message, providing visual cues to the occupants.

While a traditional Fire Detection and Alarm System would alert occupants via a horn tone and strobe lights, an ECS provides verbal communications. An ECS also brings critical messaging about fire and natural hazards directly to occupants’ cellphones via emails, texts, and phone calls. The direct notifications are particularly important when surprise is a key element. Hurricanes can be predictable but other perils like tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, or equipment accidents catch many by surprise.

If a potentially dangerous intruder is spotted within the building, an ECS can be manually activated, sending an alert tone over speakers alerting occupants to the pre-recorded audio message. Shelter in place and lock-down orders can be communicated, or instructions for safe evacuation away from harm. Messages from an ECS can be delivered in a variety of ways from flashing strobe lights and scrolling LED signs to text messages and emails.

ECS technology is continually evolving and improving. The bid process can be complex. It is critical that every business establishment receive the best option possible to ensure that the technology they place in their buildings is up-to-date and optimized for your unique needs. 

DragonsDean Enterprise provides critical system designs for Emergency Communication Systems, making sure business establishments has the quality designed that matches their business needs.

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