of 1 9/22/2014 12:54 PM Second Revision No. 102-NFPA 72-2014 [ Global Comment ] 10.12.2 Visible notification appliances, textual visible notification appliances, and speaker notification appliances located in the same area shall be activated and deactivated as a group unless otherwise required by an ECS emergency response plan. (SIG-ECS) 10.12.3* Visible alarm strobe notification appliances shall not be activated when speaker notification appliances are used as permitted by 24.3.6 for nonemergency paging. (SIG-ECS) Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Fri Jul 11 08:55:16 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: Response Message: The annex material associated with 10.12.2 should be associated with 10.12.3 as indicated in the committee statement for FR-363. Public Comment No. 19-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 10.12]
of 1 9/22/2014 12:54 PM Second Revision No. 78-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 3.3.92 ] 3.3.93 Emergency Response Plan. A documented set of actions to address the planning for, management of, and response to natural, technological, and man-made disasters and other emergencies. (SIG-ECS) Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Jul 08 11:30:34 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: Response Message: An emergency plan includes an emergency response plan - plus other elements like a pre-plan and a communications plan that leads to the ECS needs assessment. Public Comment No. 32-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 3.3.92]
of 1 9/22/2014 12:55 PM Second Revision No. 92-NFPA 72-2014 [ New Section after 3.3.260 ] 3.3.260 Signaling Zone. See 3.3.320, Zone. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 09:46:13 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: The change was made to correlate with the changes made with SR-88. Response Message:
http://submittals.nfpa.org/terraviewweb/formlaunch?id=/terraview/c... 1 of 1 9/22/2014 12:55 PM Second Revision No. 91-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 3.3.317.1 ] 3.3.320.2* Evacuation Signaling Zone. An area consisting of one or more notification zones where signals are actuated simultaneously. (SIG-ECS) Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 09:07:50 EDT 2014 Committee Statement and Meeting Notes Committee Statement: The change was made to correlate with the changes made with SR-88. Response Message:
of 1 9/22/2014 1:11 PM Second Revision No. 79-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 7.5.5 ] 7.5.5 Owner s manuals for emergency communications systems shall be in accordance with Section 24.15. (SIG-ECS) Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Jul 08 11:42:50 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: The reference points to a section that points directly back to Chapter 7. Response Message: Public Comment No. 220-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 7.5.5]
of 1 9/22/2014 1:13 PM Second Revision No. 101-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 10.11 ] 10.11* ECS Priority Signals Actuation Time. Visible indication of priority signals shall be automatically indicated within 10 seconds at the fire alarm control unit or other designated location. (SIG-ECS) Actuation of alarm notification appliances or emergency voice communications, emergency control function interface devices, and annunciation at the protected premises shall occur within 10 seconds after the activation of an initiating device. Supplemental Information File Name 72_SR_101_A.10.11_edited.docx Description Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Thu Jul 10 14:51:08 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: SIG-ECS: The action at the first draft entirely deleted section 23.8.1.1 regarding signals. The lost annex material from A.23.8.1.1 was added to A.10.11. The TC suggests that the Correlating Committee review 10.12 as similar material to 10.11. SIG-FUN: Reject PC-42: The proposed annex material was already added to A.10.12.1 in the First Draft. Response Message: Public Comment No. 42-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 10.11]
A.10.11 Actuation of an initiating device is usually the instant at which a complete digital signal is achieved at the device, such as a contact closure. For smoke detectors or other automatic initiating devices, which can involve signal processing and analysis of the signature of fire phenomena, actuation means the instant when the signal analysis requirements are completed by the device or fire alarm control unit software. A separate fire alarm control unit contemplates a network of fire alarm control units forming a single large system as defined in Section 23.8. For some analog initiating devices, actuation is the moment that the fire alarm control unit interprets that the signal from an initiating device has exceeded the alarm threshold programmed into the fire alarm control unit. For smoke detectors working on a system with alarm verification, where the verification function is performed in the fire alarm control unit, the moment of actuation of smoke detectors is sometimes determined by the fire alarm control unit. It is not the intent of this paragraph to dictate the time frame for the local fire safety devices to complete their function, such as fan wind-down time, door closure time, or elevator travel time.
http://submittals.nfpa.org/terraviewweb/formlaunch?id=/terraview/c... 1 of 1 9/22/2014 12:38 PM Second Revision No. 81-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.1.3 ] 24.1.3 The requirements of Chapters 7, 10, 12, 17, 18, 21, 23, 26, and 27 shall also apply unless they are otherwise noted in conflict with this chapter. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Jul 08 14:38:29 EDT 2014 Committee Statement and Meeting Notes Committee Statement: The statement was changed into positive language. Response Message: Public Comment No. 92-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 24.1.3]
of 1 9/22/2014 1:14 PM Second Revision No. 82-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.3.1 ] 24.3.6.2* Emergency Message Content. Emergency messages shall have a content that is: Appropriate for the intended message recipients Focused on protective actions that the intended message recipients are to take Based on the emergency response plan, emergency messages shall have content that provides information and instructions to people in the building, area, site, or installation. Supplemental Information File Name 72_SR_82_A.24.3.1_edited.docx Description Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Jul 08 15:10:51 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: The language has been revised to coincide with acceptable practices in accordance with the research provided to the committee. An annex reference to annex H (see SR-100) has been added while deleting the current annex material. The paragraph has been renumbered to include all requirements for messaging under 24.3.7. Response Message: Public Comment No. 41-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 24.3.1]
A.24.3.1 See Annex H.
http://submittals.nfpa.org/terraviewweb/formlaunch?id=/terraview/c... 1 of 1 9/22/2014 12:41 PM Second Revision No. 87-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.3.2 ] 24.3.1 Intelligible Voice Messages. Emergency communications systems shall be capable of the reproduction of prerecorded, synthesized, or live (e.g., microphone, telephone handset, and radio) messages with voice intelligibility in accordance with Chapter 18. 24.3.1.1* Emergency communications systems shall be capable of the reproduction of prerecorded, synthesized, or live (e.g., microphone, telephone handset, and radio) messages with voice intelligibility in accordance with Chapter 18. 24.3.1.2* Where no listed loudspeaker exists to achieve the intelligibilty requirements of the Code for a notification zone, nonlisted loudspeakers shall be permitted to be installed to achieve the intelligibilty for that notification zone. Supplemental Information File Name 72_SR_87_A.24.3.2_edited.docx Description Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 08:30:51 EDT 2014 Committee Statement and Meeting Notes Committee Statement: Response Message: Committee Notes: Date Submitted By Jul 10, 2014 Jul 10, 2014 Jul 10, 2014 Jul 28, 2014 Jul 30, 2014 There may be situations where in order to achieve the intelligibility requirements, listed appliances are not available but non-listed appliances are available to meet the performance requirements of the code. Christopher Coache Christopher Coache Christopher Coache Kim Cervantes Lee Richardson Move annex material in A.24.3.2 to A.24.3.2.1. Deleted last paragraph in A.24.3.2.1. (already deleted in attachment). Add new A.24.3.2.2 in attached document. Lee: See revised attachment Kim; The changes in the attachment are OK. Public Comment No. 215-NFPA 72-2014 [New Section after 24.5.4.2]
of 1 9/22/2014 1:26 PM Second Revision No. 83-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.3.3 ] 24.3.2* Microphone Use. All users of systems that have microphones for live voice announcements shall be provided with posted instructions for using the microphone. 24.3.3.1 All users of systems that have microphones for live voice announcements shall be provided with posted instructions for using the microphone. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Jul 08 15:20:33 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: Editorial change to comply with the NFPA Manual of Style. Response Message: Public Comment No. 123-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 24.3.3]
of 1 9/22/2014 1:27 PM Second Revision No. 84-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.3.6.4 ] 24.3.5.4 The utilization of shared pathway levels, as specified in Section 12.5, for Class N pathways used in emergency communication systems Where emergency communications systems utilize Class N pathways that are also shared pathway Level 1 or Level 2 as a means to support ancillary functions, devices, or interconnected systems via common pathways, shall be determined by a risk analysis, the shared pathways shall meet the requirements of 26.6.3. and approved by the AHJ. 24.3.5.4.1 In addition to the requirements of 23.6.3, a risk analysis shall be performed and approved by the AHJ. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 08:05:37 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: Editorial modification was made to the original comment for clarity. Since section 23.6.3 creates requirements for analyzing and documenting a plan to utilize shared pathway level 1 or 2 for life safety networks, this section (which deals with the same issues for MNS) was updated to include the reference to that 23.6.3. Response Message: Public Comment No. 137-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 24.3.6.4] Public Comment No. 138-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 24.3.6.4]
of 1 9/22/2014 1:30 PM Second Revision No. 85-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.3.8 ] 24.3.7* System Classification. Emergency communications systems (ECS) shall consist of two classifications of systems, be designated as one-way and or two-way. 24.3.7.1 One-way emergency communications systems shall consist one or more of the following: (1) In-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications systems (EVACS) (see Section 24.4 24.4.2 ) (2) In-building mass notification systems (see Section 24.5 24.4.3 ) (3) Wide-area mass notification systems (see Section 24.6 24.4.4 ) (4) Distributed recipient mass notification systems (DRMNS) (see Section 24.7 24.4.5 ) 24.3.7.2 Two-way emergency communications systems shall consist of one or more of the following: (1) Two-way, in-building wired emergency services communications systems (see Section 24.8 24.5.1 ) (2) Two-way radio communications enhancement systems (see Section 24.9 24.5.2 ) (3) Area of refuge (area of rescue assistance) emergency communications systems (see Section 24.10 24.5.3 ) (4) Elevator emergency communications systems (see Section 24.11 24.5.4 ) (5) Stairway communications systems (see Section 24.12 ) Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 08:16:42 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: The revised wording provides more clarity. The references were corrected and a new reference to stairway communications was added to complete the list of two-way systems. Response Message: Public Comment No. 125-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 24.3.8] Public Comment No. 177-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 24.3.8]
of 1 9/22/2014 1:31 PM Second Revision No. 86-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.3.11 ] 24.3.10* Control Unit Listing for Mass Notification Systems. Control units installed as part of a mass notification system shall be in compliance with this Code and at least one of the following applicable standards: such as ANSI/UL 864, Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems; ANSI/UL 2017, Standard for General- Purpose Signaling Devices and Systems ; or ANSI/UL 2572, Mass Notification Systems. (1) ANSI/UL 864, Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems (2) ANSI/UL 2017, Standard for General-Purpose Signaling Devices and Systems (3) ANSI/UL 2572, Mass Notification Systems. Supplemental Information File Name 72_SR_86_A.24.3.11_edited.docx Description Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 08:25:27 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: Mass Notification systems have matured in technology as well as listings. UL 2572 has been published for several years now. It is important to recognize that products must be listed to be used for MNS. As a result, at least one of the applicable standards is necessary to be met in order to provide a level of system functionality and reliability. Annex material was added to explain the relationship of the standards with control units. Response Message: Public Comment No. 43-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 24.3.11]
A24.3.11 A fire alarm control unit that is listed in accordance with ANSI/UL 864 or ANSI/UL 2017 can be used for MNS. A control unit only listed in accordance with ANSI/UL 2572 or ANSI/UL 2017 cannot be used as a fire alarm control unit.
http://submittals.nfpa.org/terraviewweb/formlaunch?id=/terraview/c... 1 of 1 9/22/2014 1:32 PM Second Revision No. 93-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.3.14.4.1 ] 24.3.13.4.1 For systems employing relocation or partial evacuation, a Level 2 or Level 3 pathway survivability shall be required. Exception No. 1: Level 1 shall be permitted where notification or evacuation zones are separated by less than 2-hour fire-rated construction. Exception No. 2: Level 1 shall be permitted where there are at least two pathways provided that are separated by at least one-third the maximum diagonal of the notification or evacuation zones that the pathways are passing through and the pathway is Class X or Class N. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 09:49:15 EDT 2014 Committee Statement and Meeting Notes Committee Statement: The change was made to correlate with the changes made with SR-88. Response Message:
of 1 9/22/2014 1:32 PM Second Revision No. 94-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.4.1.2 ] 24.4.1.2 If acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, the system shall permit the application of an automatic evacuation signal to one or more evacuation signaling zones and, at the same time, shall permit manual voice paging to the other evacuation signaling zones selectively or in any combination. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 09:53:58 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: The change was made to correlate with the changes made with SR-88. Response Message:
of 1 9/22/2014 1:33 PM Second Revision No. 95-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.4.5.6 ] 24.4.5.6 Manual controls shall be arranged to provide visible indication of the on/off status for their associated evacuation signaling zone. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 10:53:57 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: The change was made to correlate with the changes made with SR-88. Response Message:
Second Revision No. 88-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.4.8 ] 24.4.8* Relocation and Partial Evacuation. The requirements of 24.4.8 shall apply only to systems used for relocation or partial evacuation during a fire condition. 24.4.8.1 New systems employing relocation or partial evacuation shall require documentation in accordance with Sections 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5 in addition to the minimum documentation requirements of Sections 7.2 and 24.15. 24.4.8.2 Systems shall be provided with manual voice transmission capabilities selectively to one or more notification zones or on an all-call basis. 24.4.8.3 Under a fire condition, where the system is used to transmit relocation instructions or other fire emergency non-evacuation messages, a 1-second to 3-second alert tone followed by a message (or messages where multi-channel capability is used) shall be provided. 24.4.8.3.1 The sequence [the alert tone followed by the message(s)] shall be repeated at least three times to inform and direct occupants in the signaling zone where the alarm initiation originated, as well as other evacuation signaling zones in accordance with the building fire safety plan. 24.4.8.3.2 Approved alternative fire alarm notification schemes shall be permitted so as long as the occupants are effectively notified and are provided instructions in a timely and safe manner in accordance with the building fire safety plan. 24.4.8.4 Where provided, loudspeakers in each enclosed stairway, each exit passageway, and each group of elevator cars within a common hoistway shall be connected to separate notification zones for manual paging only. 24.4.8.4.1 The evacuation signal shall not operate in elevator cars, exit stair enclosures, and exit passageways. 24.4.8.4.2 Manually activated speakers shall be permitted in exit stair enclosures and exit passageways in buildings that have emergency voice/alarm communications systems in accordance with Section 24.4. 24.4.8.5 The requirements of 24.4.8.5 shall apply to both audible (tone and voice) and visible notification appliance circuits. 24.4.8.5.1* Fire alarm systems used for partial evacuation and relocation shall be designed and installed such that attack by fire within a signaling zone does not impair control and operation of the notification appliances outside the evacuation signaling zone. 24.4.8.5.2 Performance features provided to ensure operational reliability under adverse conditions shall be described and technical justification provided in the documentation submitted to the authority having jurisdiction with the analysis required in 23.4.3.1. 24.4.8.5.3* All circuits necessary for the operation of the notification appliances shall be protected until they enter the signaling notification zone that they serve by the protection provided by the pathway survivability level required in 24.3.14.4.1 24.3.13.4.1 or by performance alternatives approved by the authority having jurisdiction. 24.4.8.5.4 Where the separation of in-building fire emergency voice/alarm control equipment locations results in the portions of the system controlled by one location being dependent upon the control equipment in other locations, the circuits between the dependent controls shall be protected against attack by fire by the protection provided by the pathway survivability level required in 24.3.14.4.1 24.3.13.4.1 or by performance alternatives approved by the authority having jurisdiction. of 2 9/22/2014 1:33 PM
24.4.8.5.5 Protection of circuits between redundant control equipment locations that are not mutually dependent shall not be required. 24.4.8.5.6 Where the separation of the in-building fire emergency voice/alarm control equipment occurs as in 24.4.8.5.4, and where the circuits are run through junction boxes, terminal cabinets or control equipment, such as system control units, power supplies and amplifiers, and where cable integrity is not maintained, these components shall, in addition to the pathway survivability required by 24.3.14.4.1 24.3.13.4.1, be protected by using one of the following methods: (1) A 2-hour fire- rated enclosure (2) A 2-hour fire- rated room (3) Other equivalent means to provide a 2-hour fire resistance rating approved by the authority having jurisdiction 24.4.8.5.7 Paragraphs 24.4.8 through 24.4.8.5.6 shall not automatically apply when relocation or partial evacuation is of a non-fire emergency unless identified and required by a risk analysis. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 08:43:26 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: The language has been modified to provide clarity and consistency. Response Message: Public Comment No. 63-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 24.4.8] of 2 9/22/2014 1:33 PM
of 1 9/22/2014 1:34 PM Second Revision No. 96-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.4.9 ] 24.4.9 Evacuation Signal Zoning. 24.4.9.1* Undivided fire or smoke areas shall not be divided into multiple evacuation notification signaling zones. 24.4.9.2 If multiple notification appliance circuits are provided within a single evacuation signaling zone, all of the notification appliances within the zone shall be arranged to activate or deactivate simultaneously, either automatically or by actuation of a common manual control. 24.4.9.3 Where there are different notification appliance circuits within an evacuation a signaling zone that perform separate functions, such as presignal and general alarm signals, and pre-discharge predischarge and discharge signals, they shall not be required to activate or deactivate simultaneously. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 10:55:32 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: The change was made to correlate with the changes made with SR-88. Response Message:
of 1 9/22/2014 1:35 PM Second Revision No. 89-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.5.5 ] 24.5.5 Documentation. Mass notification systems shall require documentation in accordance with Sections 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5 in addition to the minimum documentation requirements of Sections 7.2 and 24.15. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 08:55:29 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: This is duplicate material. See Section 24.15. Response Message: Public Comment No. 175-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 24.5.5]
of 1 9/22/2014 1:35 PM Second Revision No. 90-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. 24.5.15.1 ] 24.5.14.1 Unless otherwise established through the emergency response plan, controls Controls that are intended to be accessed by authorized users shall be mounted in accordance with 24.5.14 24.5.15 24.5.14 24.5.14. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 08:58:19 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: This exception is too general and negates the exception with more detail established in 24.5.15.6. Since 24.5.15.6 is part of 24.5.15, the exception is established and does not need to be repeated. Response Message: Public Comment No. 210-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 24.5.15.1]
of 1 9/22/2014 1:35 PM Second Revision No. 97-NFPA 72-2014 [ Sections 24.13.4, 24.13.5 ] 24.13.4 Power Supplies. All control units shall meet the power supply requirements of Section 10.6 and 24.13.5. 24.13.4.1 All control units shall meet the power supply requirements of Section 10.6 and 24.13.4.2 24.13.4.2 The power supply for the emergency command center for emergency communications systems shall include an uninterrupted power source with capacity sufficient to support the emergency response plan established for the specific premises. 24.13.5 The power supply for the emergency command center for emergency communications systems shall include an uninterrupted power source with capacity sufficient to support the emergency response plan established for the specific premises. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 11:05:24 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: Change to comply with the NFPA Manual of Style. Response Message: Public Comment No. 64-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. 24.6.4]
of 1 9/22/2014 1:36 PM Second Revision No. 98-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. A.24.3.7.1 ] A.24.3.6.1 The fundamental structure of the prerecorded or live messages is critical for providing information and instructions that are intelligible. Prerecorded messages created in a controlled environment are considerably more intelligible than live messages and should be developed and provided to handle as many of the probable emergencies that a particular facility will encounter. The voice instructions (live or prerecorded) should be preceded by a tone to get attention and prepare the target audience for voice instructions. This tone should be differentiated for specific emergencies, based on the standards for that facility. The actual voice message (live or pre-recorded) should be delivered in a well-enunciated, clear, calm, and deliberate manner, using respectful language. Focus the message on the action to be taken and minimize wasting words on the cause. For the voice itself, best results will vary, depending on the specific location for example, in outdoor applications, it has been shown that a male voice will provide better intelligibility, as the naturally lower frequency of the male voice travels better. Inversely, in an interior application, where the background ambient noise is typically in the same lower frequencies, a female voice tends to penetrate better, as it is more distinct from the ambient. Messages should be constructed using 2-second to 3-second bursts of information and brief periods of quiet between the bursts of information. This methodology facilitates better processing of information by the brain and minimizes the negative effects of reverberation and echo. Generally, the emergency message should consist of an alert tone of 1 second to 3 seconds, followed by a voice message that is repeated at least three times. The alert tone can be used in between repeats of the voice message. For live instructions, it is critical that the message be delivered in a clear and calm manner. When possible, the following procedure is recommended: Think about what information must be delivered in the live announcement, keep it brief, and write down the message Read the message out loud for a practice round in a clear and projecting voice When you are ready to announce, key the microphone and read the message at least three times When possible, use an alert tone, such as a Code 3, 1000 Hz signal preceding the message, and then announce over the live microphone Repeat the message a few times more as the emergency warrants See Annex G. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 11:58:40 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: The new annex incorporates the material. Response Message: Public Comment No. 217-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. A.24.3.7.1]
of 1 9/22/2014 1:36 PM Second Revision No. 99-NFPA 72-2014 [ Section No. A.24.3.7.2 ] A.24.3.6.3 A well-crafted, evidence-based message (incentive to response) with content that includes the following: 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/consequences Who: The name of the source of the warning (who is giving it) Warning style is also crucial and should be specific, consistent, certain, clear, and accurate with attention paid to the frequency the more it is repeated, the better. See Annex G. Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Christopher Coache Organization: National Fire Protection Assoc Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Wed Jul 09 12:05:53 EDT 2014 Committee Statement Committee Statement: The new annex incorporates the material. Response Message: Public Comment No. 218-NFPA 72-2014 [Section No. A.24.3.7.2]
of 11 9/22/2014 1:37 PM Second Revision No. 100-NFPA 72-2014 [ New Section after G.3 ] Annex G Guidelines for Emergency Communication Strategies for Buildings and Campuses This annex is not part of the requirements of this NFPA document but is included for informational purposes only. G.1 The material in this annex is based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Fire Protection Research Foundation research Guidance Document: Emergency Communication Strategies for Buildings, by Erica Kuligowski, Ph.D. and H. Omori, 2014, as adapted by the NFPA ECS TC. The purpose of this annex is to provide guidance to system designers, building managers, and/or building emergency personnel responsible for emergency communication on how to create and disseminate messages using basic communication modes (audible and/or visual technology). The guidance provided here is taken directly from a report published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which was based on a review of 162 literature sources from a variety of social science and engineering disciplines (Kuligowski et al. 2012) and the prioritization of the specific findings extracted from each literature source. This document first presents guidance on how to create and disseminate emergency information in the face of rapid-onset disasters 1 providing guidance on the dissemination of alert signals, the creation of the warning message, the formatting of messages for both visual and audible means, and the dissemination of the warning message. This document then provides examples of emergency messages (i.e., message templates) for five different types of emergency scenarios. These message templates can be altered to fit the needs of your occupants, as well as the type of emergency that has occurred and type of technology used to disseminate the alerts/messages. G.2 Guidance on Emergency Communication Strategies. This section provides guidance for managers, emergency personnel, alarm system manufacturers, codes/standards committees, or others responsible for emergency communication on the ways in which alerts and warning messages should be created, formatted, and disseminated. The guidance is divided into two main parts: guidance on alerts and guidance on warning messages. Although these two parts often get confused, it is important to distinguish between the purpose of an alert and a warning message. An alert is meant to grab peoples attention, notifying them that an emergency is taking place and that there is important information, which will be provided to them. The purpose of a warning message is to give that important information to occupants. Guidance on the construction and dissemination of both alerts and warnings is provided here. G.2.1 Alerts. It is imperative to disseminate an alert to let occupants know that a warning message will follow. Regardless of whether the warning message is provided audibly, visually, or via tactile means, an alert is necessary to gain people s attention and should be provided separately from the warning message. An effective alert should include the following characteristics: (1) Alerts should be significantly different from ambient sounds. (2) Buildings should reduce background noise when initiating audible alerts. (3) Flashing, rather than static lights, preferably one standard color for all buildings, can be used to gain attention to visual warning messages. (4) There are additional methods to alert occupants to an emergency: disruption of routine activities, tactile methods, social networks, and face-to-face. (5) An alert signal should be accompanied by a clear, consistent, concise, and candid warning message. (6) If selected, an alert should be tested for its success in getting occupants attention in the event of an emergency and used as part of building- or campus-wide training. G.2.2 Warnings.
of 11 9/22/2014 1:37 PM Warning messages should provide information to the occupants on the state of the emergency and what they are supposed to do in response to this emergency. The warning message should come after an alert signal is given and can be provided via visual or audible means. However, before such guidance on message format for visual and audible messages can be provided, it is vital to provide guidance on the content of the warning message itself.
of 11 9/22/2014 1:37 PM G.2.2.1 The Message.
of 11 9/22/2014 1:37 PM Regardless of the method used to disseminate the warning message, there are certain characteristics that are required of an effective warning message. These are included here: (1) Message Content. (a) A warning message should contain five important topics to ensure that occupants have sufficient information to respond. i. Who is providing the message? (i.e., the source of the message) ii. What should people do? (i.e., what actions occupants should take in response to the emergency and, if necessary, how to take these actions) iii. When do people need to act? (In rapid-onset events, the when is likely to be immediately. ) iv. Where is the emergency taking place? (i.e., who needs to act and who does not) v. Why do people need to act? (including a description of the hazard and its dangers/consequences) (b) (c) The source of the message should be someone who is perceived as credible by the occupants Building managers, campus managers, and emergency personnel should understand the affected population and, from this understanding, develop a database of possible trusted sources (as well as backup sources). (2) Message Structure. (a) Message order for short messages (e.g., 90-characters) should be the following: i. Source ii. Guidance on what people should do iii. Hazard (why) iv. Location (where) v. Time. (b) Message order for longer messages should be the following: i. Source ii. Hazard iii. Location iv. Guidance v. Time (c) (d) (e) Numbered lists can help to chronologically organize multiple steps in a process For limited message length, message writers could draft the message in a bulleted form; each of the five topics in the warning should be separated as its own bullet point Distinct audiences should be addressed separately in the message (or in multiple messages) (3) Message Language (or Wording). (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Messages should be written using short, simple words, omitting unnecessary words or phrases. Messages should be written using active voice, present tense, avoiding hidden verbs. Messages should be written using short, simple, and clear sentences, avoiding double negatives and exceptions to exceptions; main ideas should be placed before exceptions and conditions. Emergency messages should be written at a sixth grade reading level or lower. An emergency message can be evaluated for its reading level using computer software and/or a simple calculation. Emergency messages should be written without the use of jargon and false cognates.
of 11 9/22/2014 1:37 PM (f) Emergency messages should be provided in the language of the predominant affected populace. If there is a possibility of isolated groups that do not speak the predominant language, multilingual messages should be provided. It is expected that small groups of transients unfamiliar with the predominant language will be picked up in the traffic flow in the event of an emergency and are not likely to be in an isolated situation. (4) Multiple Messages. (a) (b) (c) (d) Building managers, campus managers, and emergency personnel should anticipate the need to write more than one emergency message throughout a disaster, including feedback messages or updates. In update messages, occupants should be told why the information has changed, to ensure that the new message is viewed as credible. Provide feedback messages after a non-event to inform occupants that the alert signal and warning system operated and worked as planned and the reasons why the event did not occur. Building managers, campus managers, and emergency personnel should test emergency messages with the affected population. (5) Visual Warnings. (a) Messages that are displayed visually will have different capabilities and limitations than those disseminated audibly. Message creators should consider different factors and make different types of decisions based upon the dissemination method. The first consideration is the type of visual technology that will be used to disseminate the messages, which can include textual visual displays, SMS text messages, computer pop-ups, email, Internet websites, news (TV broadcast), or streaming broadcast over the web. Depending upon the technology chosen to display visual warning messages, guidance is provided here on message displays to enable occupants to see or notice the displayed warning, understand the warning, perceive warning credibility and risk, and respond appropriately. (6) Noticing and Reading the Warning. (a) Place the emergency sign in a location where people will notice it and be able to read it from their original (pre-emergency) location. (b) Signs will be reliably conspicuous within 15 degrees of the direct line of sight. (c) Text is easier to read when written with a mixture of upper and lower case letters rather than the use of all capitals. (d) The recommended relationship for older adults with lower visual acuity is D = 100 * h, providing a more conservative result, and ensuring that a larger population will be able to read the emergency message. (e) A stroke-to-width ratio of the letters is suggested as 1:5 (generally), with a ratio of 1:7 suggested for lighter letters on a darker background. (f) Building managers, campus managers, or emergency personnel should consult the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (U.S. Department of Justice 2010) for additional requirements on signage. (g) Contrast between the text and the background should be at least 30 percent, although recommended values could be as high as 60 percent. (h) The use of pictorials (in lieu of or in addition to text) can also bring attention to the sign. (i) Message providers should ensure that emergency information is not blocked by other signs or information. (7) Comprehending, Believing, and Personalizing the Warning. (a) (b) (c) Printed text should accompany symbols or pictorials used in visual warnings; a minimum number of words should be used to accompany graphics. Diagrams that display a series of sequential steps are more successful for comprehension of a process than one single graphic. A color-contrasted word or statement should be used for text that should be read first and/or be
of 11 9/22/2014 1:37 PM perceived as more urgent than the rest, unless color is used for other reasons (e.g. bilingual text). (d) (e) (f) (g) A warning message can increase in perceived credibility and risk if occupants are shown that others are also responding. Simultaneously displayed text (discrete messages) is preferred rather than a sequentially displayed message. Simultaneously displayed text can also be used for bilingual messages, especially if care is taken to differentiate the text of one language from the text of the other language. Limit the use of flashing words on visual message displays. (8) Audible Warnings. (a) (b) There are specific warning technologies that only (or primarily) affect the aural sense, including public address systems (voice notification systems), automated voice dialing, satellite/am/fm radio broadcasts, satellite/off-air television broadcasts, and tone alert radios. Whereas visual technologies can limit message length, audible warnings are often limited only by the attention capabilities of the audience. In other words, an audible message can play for long periods of time with these technology types, and the message creator and source must be careful to provide all important information in an appropriate length of time. In this section, guidance will be given for methods to increase the likelihood that an individual will perceive, or hear, the message. Following this, guidance will be provided that can increase comprehension of the message for audible messages, as well as the ways in which to increase credibility and risk assessment of the event when the warning is presented audibly. (9) Perception. (a) (b) Other, non-alert/warning voices in the background should be reduced or eliminated. Any voice announcements should also be accompanied by simultaneous visual text. (10) Comprehending, Believing, and Personalizing the Warning. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) Letters are more difficult to identify in speech than numbers, which are more difficult than colors. Message speakers (or sources) should not be heavily accented and should speak with a rate of approximately 175 words per minute. Audible warnings can be delivered using a live voice, dynamic voice (generated by text-tospeech software), or using pre-recorded voice. The live voice and dynamic voice methods provide the benefit of messages that can be updated with new information while also conveying an appropriate level of urgency, if necessary. Dynamic and pre-recoded voice methods provide the benefits of easily repeating the played messages for longer periods of time and not relying on the voice announcer training or stress level while delivering the message. For the voice itself, best results will vary, depending on the specific location for example, in outdoor applications, it has been shown that a male voice will provide better intelligibility, as the naturally lower frequency of the male voice travels better. Inversely, in an interior application, where the background ambient noise is typically in the same lower frequencies, a female voice tends to penetrate better, as it is more distinct from the ambient. Urgency measures should be used selectively to emphasize the more dangerous, immediate, life-threatening situations (since overuse can lead to non-response in future disasters). (11) Dissemination of the Warning Message. (a) (b) (c) Use multiple channels to disseminate the warning message, including visual, audible, and tactile means. A warning message should be repeated at least once, with some research advocating for message repetition of at least three times. Messages should be stated in full, and then repeated in full, rather than repeating statements
of 11 9/22/2014 1:37 PM within the same message. (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Warning messages should be repeated at intervals, rather than consecutively. Warning messages should be disseminated as early as possible. Face-to-face communication should accompany other audible or visual technologies. Messages should be disseminated using a combination of both push and pull technologies. Push communication 2 is most important to use for alert signals as well as initial warning messages. G.3 Emergency Message Templates. Rapid-onset emergencies often come with little warning and can have a major impact on communities. In order to provide clear, effective instructions for a threatened population, it is important to create message templates ahead of time for a variety of different emergencies. This section provides examples of message templates for five types of emergency, using various forms of emergency communication technology. All bracketed text can be altered and replaced with text that better suits the needs of the occupants, emergency scenario, emergency response strategies, and the technology being used. Please see Kuligowski and Omori (2014) for more information on the process associated with the development of these templates. Each template follows the guidance presented in this document. G.3.1 Scenario 1 Fire in a building, partial evacuation strategy, building-wide public address announcements. Scenario 1 is a fire located on the 10th floor of a 20-story building. Individuals are unable to use elevators in this scenario, except for those who are unable to negotiate the stairs, in which case building staff or fire fighters will assist them using the freight elevator(s). Protective actions: Occupants on floors 9, 10, and 11 are told to evacuate to the 8th floor (two floors below the fire floor). All other occupants are provided with a message to remain on their floor. Therefore, in this scenario, two different types of messages are required to be provided simultaneously to occupants, depending upon the floor on which they are located: one message will be disseminated to floors 9, 10, and 11, while a different message will be disseminated simultaneously to all other floors. Technology used to disseminate the message: The building-wide public address system, which is capable of providing different messages to different floors (using a live voice or a dynamic voice). G.3.1.1 Message Templates for Scenario 1: (1) Building-wide announcement to Floors 9, 10, and 11: Attention [floors 9, 10, and 11]. This is your [Building Safety Officer, Joe Smith]. A fire has been reported on the [10th floor] of the building. Everyone on the [9th, 10th, and 11th floors] should move to the [8th floor] to be protected from heat and smoke, since heat and smoke can creep into nearby floors during a fire. Use the stairs immediately. Do not use the elevators. Those who need help getting to the 8th floor, please wait inside the stairwell [or go to the freight elevator lobby]. (2) Building-wide announcement to all other floors: Attention. This is your [Building Safety Officer, Joe Smith]. A fire has been reported on the [10th floor] of the building. Please wait on your floor. At this time, you are safer remaining on your floor than leaving the building, because this building is designed to confine the fire [e.g., locally or to the 10th floor only]. Do not use the elevators for any reason. We will give you further instructions, if the situation changes. G.3.2 Scenario 2 Fire in a building, full evacuation strategy, building-wide public address announcement, and cell phone text message.
of 11 9/22/2014 1:37 PM Scenario 2 is a fire located on the second floor of a 20-story building in which smoke is traveling up the building s air-conditioning/venting system, causing the need for a full-building evacuation. Individuals are unable to use elevators in this scenario, except for those who are unable to negotiate the stairs, in which case building staff or fire fighters will assist them using the freight elevator(s). Protective actions: Occupants on all floors are requested to evacuate the building, known as a full-building evacuation. Technologies used to disseminate the message: The building-wide public address system, which is capable of providing different messages to different floors (using a live voice or a dynamic voice). Also, a 90-character text message alert to cell phone users in the building. G.3.2.1 Message Templates for Scenario 2: (1) Building-wide public address system: Attention. This is [Chief Smith from the Springfield Fire Department]. A fire has been reported on the [second floor] of the building. Everyone must leave the building now to avoid contact with the fire s heat and smoke. Go NOW to your closest stair and leave the building. People who cannot use the stairs should go to the freight elevator lobby for help. (2) Cell phone text message (90 characters): Evacuate building now. It is on fire. Go to freight elevator if you need help. Note: A description of the hazard (a more detailed why statement) is not included in this message due to character limits. Also, the source is not listed. It is possible that the source will already be identified in the From or FRM line of the text message. If message contents are limited, there is always the option to send a follow-up text message that provides more information or that continues the previous message. Also remember that some phones (i.e. non-smart phones) could display longer text messages in reverse chronological order. G.3.3 Scenario 3 Tornado imminent on a college campus, campus-wide audible messaging system, and Twitter message. Scenario 3 is a tornado imminent on a college campus. Protective actions: The individuals on the college campus are instructed to shelter in place. Additionally, the National Weather Service provides examples of protective actions (included below): Example 1: TAKE COVER NOW. FOR YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF A STURDY BUILDING. Example 2: TAKE COVER NOW. MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF A STURDY BUILDING. AVOID WINDOWS. IF IN A MOBILE HOME...A VEHICLE OR OUTDOORS...MOVE TO THE CLOSEST SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER AND PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FLYING DEBRIS. Example 3: THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS. IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS. (Examples found here: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/view/validprods.php?prod=tor) Technologies used to disseminate the message: A campus-wide siren system with audible messaging capabilities. Also, a 140-character Twitter 3 message should be disseminated as well for this emergency.