General Guidance on Emergency Communication Strategies for Buildings, 2nd Edition

Abstract

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. For example, buildings often use these systems to disseminate pre-recorded, general emergency voice alarm messages that leave occupants wanting and needing further information before effectively responding. Especially as the use of newer technologies such as mobile devices or social networking tools grow, guidance on message content and dissemination becomes even more critical to ensure effective and safe response of building occupants during an emergency.

Outdoor siren systems: a review of technology, usage, and public response during emergencies

“…It should be noted that while there are obvious benefits to providing warning information at the same time as an alert (Kuligowski and Omori 2014), FEMA guidance questions whether siren system technology is the best mechanism to disseminate this information (FEMA 2006). Among other concerns, voice warnings may be unintelligible due to issues like communities' terrain and ambient noises.…”

“…• What: Guidance on what people should do • When: An idea of when they need to act • Where: Description of the location of the risk of hazard (who should be taking action and who should not be) • Why: Information on the hazard and danger • Who: The name of the source of the warning (who is giving it) More information on the creation and dissemination of warning messages can be found in Kuligowski and Omori (2014).…”

“…Especially since sirens often already signify that people should seek more information (Rogers and Sorensen 1991), research recommends that emergency managers and other alerting officials accompany siren tones with specific, consistent information (both within and outside of the affected community) (Kuligowski and Omori 2014;Woody and Ellison 2014;Dobbs and Fung 2009;Roger 1985). This information, often referred to as warning information, should be provided by credible, familiar, and authoritative sources (Chandler 2010;Dobbs and Fung 2009;Baker 1991).…”

“…These credible sources may differ from community to community, but are likely to include the community's local officials (Roger 1985). Additionally, research provides insight on the content of warning messages (Kuligowski and Omori 2014;Chandler 2010;Proulx 2001;Keating 1982), including the five most important topics to include:…”

“…Push technologies are those that do not require individuals to take extra effort to receive the alert or warning message (e.g., public address announcements via siren systems [Paul, Stimers and Caldas 2014;Plotnick, Hiltz and Burns 2012], NOAA weather radios, or text messages [Kuligowski and Omori 2014;Woody and Ellison 2014]), whereas pull technologies require the individual to seek additional information to acquire the alert/message (e.g., internet websites or apps that require additional searching). Also important is to reach as wide of an audience as possible with warning information, including non-English speakers who would benefit from messages translated into their first or native language (Stokoe 2016;Woody and Ellison 2014;Donner, Rodriguez and Diaz 2012;Bruck and Thomas 2008).…”