6.5.11 Communication System

A voice communication system facilitates the orderly control of occupants and evacuation of the danger area or the entire building. The system is typically zoned by floor, by stairwell, and by elevator bank for selective communication to building occupants.

Emergency communication can be enhanced by providing

• extra emergency phones separate from the telephone system, connected directly to a constantly supervised central station;
• in-building repeater system for police, fire, and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) radios; and
• redundant or wireless fireman’s communications in building.