Emergency Communication Strategies for Buildings

When a building emergency occurs, it is not always sufficient to simply initiate audible alarm signals. Individuals may not know what the alarm signal means and as a result may respond inappropriately to its sound. Many buildings have installed mass notification or emergency communication systems, based upon requirements provided in international codes and standards, that can be used to disseminate audible or visually-provided information in the event of an emergency. However, there is a lack of guidance on how to use current emergency communication systems in the most effective manner