The “Areas of Rescue” or “Areas of Refuge” concept was established to provide a location for building occupants, who cannot traverse the stairs without assistance, to be able to assemble by an exit and await assistance or instructions by first responders. These areas are required on each floor above and below the “ground” floor, must be clearly marked, and provide a two way communication system to a central control point within the building. If the central control point is not staffed 24 hours a day, the “Area” must provide communication to a location that is staffed 24 hours a day.

Cornell offers two Area of Rescue or Refuge systems. The 4200 Series Audio Rescue Assistance system is designed for locations with a response staff available 24/7. This system routes all calls to one main communication station, where a responder can communicate directly with the person on the other end. This legacy system operates with individual buttons for each alarm station or zone and can be sized from 1 to 28 zones in multiples of 4 zones. It has one Master Control Panel and communicates to the remote 911 center via text and pre-recorded voice messaging only. Two way voice communication to the call stations is available from the master panel but not from the 911 center.

In situations where an emergency response staff isn’t present, the 4800 Series Digital Rescue Assistance system routes calls directly to local emergency responders, such as fire department and police station. This system provides for up to 5 Control Panels and 255 call stations. It also provides for two way voice communication both in the building and with the 911 Center.

Rath offers two types of Area of Refuge Two-Way Communication Systems. The Analog System provides options for 1-10 call boxes and 1-92 call boxes. These systems provide 2-Way person to person voice off-site communication capabilities.

The IP Emergency Communication System is for 1-128 call boxes and is ideal when internal communication with a call box is required. The system can connect using an Ethernet system and can be set-up as a standalone intercom system without the need for a phone line or can be set-up for calling offsite through a phone system using a VoIP interface.

Properly designed, installed, and maintained systems is key to their proper operation. BFPE International can assist you with making the right choice when choosing an Area of Rescue or Refuge System for your application.  We appreciate the opportunity to design, install, service, and test & inspect your system.

Contact BFPE International for an Area of Rescue or Refuge System. Please see the other Products and Services we offer, as well as our Total Fire Protection Agreement.