What type of buildings are required to have an area of rescue system in the US?
An area of rescue system is a designated location within a building that provides a temporary safe haven for individuals who are unable to evacuate the building during an emergency. These systems are typically required in buildings that are considered high-rise or have multiple levels, where a person may be trapped above or below the ground floor and unable to safely exit the building.
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all new buildings with more than one level have an area of rescue system.
This includes buildings such as schools, hospitals, hotels, office buildings, and shopping centers. The ADA also requires that existing buildings that undergo significant renovation must be brought up to current code, which includes installing an area of rescue system if one does not already exist.
The International Building Code (IBC) also requires the installation of an area of rescue system in buildings that are considered high-rise.
The IBC defines a high-rise building as a building with occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department access. This includes buildings such as hotels, apartment complexes, and office buildings.
In addition to the ADA and IBC requirements, individual states and local municipalities may also have their own building codes that require the installation of an area of rescue system in certain types of buildings. For example, in California, the California Building Code requires the installation of an area of rescue system in all new high-rise buildings with an occupied floor height of more than 75 feet above the level of fire department access.
Alpha Communications is a leading provider of comprehensive area of refuge systems designed to meet the diverse needs of various facilities. Our full line of area of refuge systems includes:
Basic Area of Refuge Systems: These cost-effective systems provide essential communication capabilities between individuals in need of assistance and first responders during emergencies. They are suitable for smaller buildings with basic requirements.
Advanced Area of Refuge Systems: These systems incorporate more sophisticated features, such as multiple area of refuge call stations, enhanced audio and visual communication, and seamless integration with existing fire alarm and security systems. They are ideal for larger facilities with more complex requirements.
ADA-Compliant Area of Refuge Systems: Designed to meet the requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), these systems ensure that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has access to effective communication during emergencies.
Alpha Communications takes pride in offering a diverse range of area of refuge systems that cater to different requirements and budgets, ensuring that every facility is equipped with a dependable solution for emergency communication. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you choose and install the most suitable area of refuge system for your unique needs, providing ongoing support to ensure its effectiveness and reliability.
Choosing Alpha Communications for your area of rescue system is an investment in unparalleled safety and reliability. Our state-of-the-art technology, coupled with our experienced and dedicated team, ensures that your facility will be equipped with a system that provides rapid response and effective communication during emergencies.
When you choose Alpha Communications, you are not only selecting a proven solution, but also partnering with a company that values innovation, commitment, and customer satisfaction. Contact us today for more information and a complementary system lay out.
