Importance of Public Address and Voice Alarm solutions
Research has shown that verbal messages elicit responses more than five times faster than traditional bells and sounds. By combining Fire Detection and Voice Alarm systems, emergency responses can be seamlessly automated. This shows the importance of Public Address and Voice Alarm solutions.
A traditional fire alarm system uses a bell and/or sounder to provide evacuation. This expects the people in the building, including a visitor, to have knowledge of any emergency exits. Also, regardless of the location, everyone is going to hear the same bell sound. This can lead to confusion and panic in the event of an evacuation.
A voice assisted evacuation system, such as Voice Alarm System (VAS); however, can effectively communicate information with clear voice messages to a large area or building in an emergency. Research* has shown that verbal messages elicit a response more than five times faster than traditional bells and sounds. With the possibility to customize voice messages, including localization, a voice-assisted evacuation system can dispatch location-specific messages , guiding individuals to the closet emergency exits during a phased evacuation. This help to reduce confusion and panic, thereby yielding a faster evacuation compared to legacy systems.
When these two systems are integrated (i,e, fire alarm and voice alarm), they can automatically broadcast a voice alarm to endangered areas, thereby reducing response time.
Even though at its core, a PAVA system is primarily designed to offer emergency evacuation messages, given today’s demand to deliver a unified and cost-effective solution, a PA/VA system can also be multi-functional, addressing a wide range of communication needs:
Voice Alarm & Life Safety Announcement
Beyond fire emergencies, a PAVA system is crucial in other emergencies like terrorist attacks, school lockdowns, natural disasters, and industrial gas leaks. PAVA paging announcements keep staff informed of emerging situations, ensuring they respond appropriately. Voice alarms, evacuation messages, and mass notification content direct people away from hazards to safe zones. Emergency services and first responders use emergency mics for prioritized calls, overriding non-essential calls to maximize response efficiency.
Security Announcements
From the control-centre staff can trigger pre-recorded warning messages or send direct instructions via a live announcement to a specific area in stores, parking lots, and more, where a potential security risk is present. By being able to interact remotely, security system owners can reduce the need for physical intervention, while also reducing response time.
Operational Broadcast
Another key use case for PAVA is the broadcast of daily operational messages to staff and visitors to keep everyone informed. This could include security reminders for passengers at an airport or platform announcements at a train station.
Background Music
PAVA systems can play background music (BGM) in areas like retail stores at a train station. These systems deliver clear and intelligible audio, ensuring high-quality and evenly distributed background music. Centrally managed yet locally controlled, PAVA systems allow outlet owners to select and control music to suit their outlet's vibe. The PAVA system manages announcement priorities, silencing BGM in the event of an emergency.
A multi-functional PAVA system helps reduce the number of audio systems by merging operational, life safety, and infotainment communication systems into a single platform. This not only makes it cost-effective but also reduces the maintenance and upkeep required for several disparate audio systems.
Download document to discover key considerations when choosing your multi-functional PAVA system.
*) Reference: NRC Publications Archive/Archives des publications du CNRC
Author
Sri Sutharsan is Head of Marketing and Segment Solutions for Zenitel Safety & Security BU, a manufacturer of critical communication systems. With nearly 20 years of experience in R&D, Product Management, Sales, and Marketing, Sri has worked with global brands and businesses, assisting in setting vision and strategy for technology investments.