What Is an Emergency Voice Alarm Communication System (EVAC) And How Does It Work?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, a fire department responds to a fire every 23 seconds in the United States. While many of these fires are small and easily extinguished, others are much more serious and can potentially claim lives.
Installing a reliable fire alarm system is one of the most critical steps you can take to safeguard your employees, inventory, and property against fire. Yet, while traditional fire alarms are effective at alerting building occupants of a fire, they can only do so much.
This is where an emergency voice alarm communication system, or EVAC for short, comes into play. These systems are designed to address the limitations of standard fire alarms by providing clear instructions for safely evacuating a building during an emergency.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what an emergency voice alarm communication system is and some of its key benefits.
What is an Emergency Voice Alarm Communication System?
Emergency voice alarm communication systems utilize pre-recorded messages or a PA system to communicate with occupants who may be disoriented and confused during an evacuation. These messages give people clear instructions on how to safely exit the building and where to go once they’re outside.
In addition to providing fire alarm evacuation instructions, these systems can also be used as a mass notification alert for other emergencies. For example, they can provide guidance during severe weather, active shooter scenarios, and more. This versatility makes EVAC systems an important component of any emergency preparedness plan.
Top Benefits of Emergency Voice Alarm Communication Systems
Now, let’s take a look at some of the unique benefits that emergency voice alarm communication systems offer over traditional fire alarms. These include (but are certainly not limited to) the following:
Direct Instructions
The blare of a traditional fire alarm system can be overwhelming and cause confusion in a time of crisis. Not only that, but many people are accustomed to ignoring the sound of a fire alarm as they assume it’s a drill or false alarm.
However, with an emergency voice alarm communication system, people are immediately directed to a specific course of action. One that is hard to ignore. These instructions can be tailored to the type and severity of the emergency at hand, giving occupants clear guidance on what’s going on.
Compatible with Existing Security Systems
Another advantage of EVAC systems is that they can be easily integrated into existing building security and fire safety systems. This means that property owners do not need to install a completely new system. Instead, they can simply build on their existing infrastructure.
Reduces False Alarms
One of the biggest benefits of emergency voice alarm communication systems is that they can significantly reduce the number of false alarms. These systems are designed to only be triggered during actual emergencies, which helps reduce the amount of unnecessary panic that can occur with a traditional fire alarm system.
This not only helps save lives and prevent property damage, but it also reduces the burden on emergency response teams.
Quick Emergency Response
Another key benefit of emergency voice alarm communication systems is that they can help speed up the emergency response process.
When people are provided with clear instructions about how to evacuate, they are more likely to exit quickly. This allows emergency responders to focus on addressing the source of the emergency and assisting those who need help.
Continuous Air Sampling
Many emergency voice alarm communication systems can also continuously monitor air quality. Systems may come equipped with sensors that can detect a variety of allergens, gases, and chemicals in the air. This allows facility managers to respond quickly to dangerous situations before they escalate and put occupants at risk.
Customized Fire Alarm Set Up and Installation
Finally, emergency voice alarm communication systems can be custom designed to meet the specific needs of your building. For example, depending on the size and layout of your space, you can choose a system with one or more speakers.
Additionally, you can choose between multiple evacuation routes, various language options, and more. This helps ensure everyone is able to evacuate safely during an emergency.
The Wrap Up
As you can see, there are many compelling benefits to using emergency voice alarm communication systems in your organization. Whether you’re looking to improve fire safety, reduce the risk of false alarms, or speed up emergency response times, these systems can help.
So, if you are looking for a more effective way to keep your employees and property safe, consider investing in an emergency voice alarm communication system. For more information on EVAC systems, contact a trusted provider today.
Author Bio: Brian Kozlosky, President/Founder of 2 Krew Security and Surveillance – headquartered in Kittanning, PA. With a Bachelor of Science from Slippery Rock University, I have 15+ years of experience operating a successful security and surveillance company. You can get in touch with me on LinkedIn.
