When a first responder is in a building answering a call for help, it is critical that they always have radio contact. However, due to the design and materials used in construction, often the signal is unable to penetrate the building and the signal is lost or is very weak. Most often the weak areas are stairwells, elevators and basements and generally in buildings with a lot of concrete or very thick concrete walls. New low-e glass also reduces the signal.
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems (ERRCS) are what allows the two-way radio carried by a firefighter, police officer, and paramedic to work inside buildings.
Within some buildings, the signal might not work and thus whoever might be in that building will not be able to radio for help or communicate with anyone outside or inside the building. This is obviously an important requirement.
If you do need to enhance the signal in the building, you will need to install a communication system known as a BDA system (bi-directional amplifier system) or public safety DAS (PSDAS). There are a number of manufacturers of these systems including Comba, Westell, Cobham, GS Telecom, TXRX/ Bird, G-Wave, Honeywell, EMF and Fiplx.
The drawing below shows what a typical BDA or ERRCS network looks like. It is comprised of a variety of components including typically in the case of public safety DAS, a bidirectional amplifier that takes the signal from outside the building and amplifies it inside the building. Antennas are installed throughout the building.
In the state of Florida, many jurisdictions now require that buildings install a system that will ensure that Public Safety radios will work in specific buildings. In Florida there are two relevant codes: The Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1), section 11.10 and Florida Statute 633.202.
What does that mean? It means that you need to ensure enough fire department radio signal exists inside your building. A qualified company can evaluate the signal for you by doing what us called a Site Walk. They will review the entire building and give you a plan, explaining what is needed.
Florida has implemented specific deadlines that are coming soon. Specifically, by the end of December, 2019, high rise commercial buildings must have a permit on file to indicate that they will do work to install a system to enhance signal issues.
Contact the local fire department to speak with the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) to find out how and if they are enforcing the code in your area.
If your radio coverage is not adequate, you will need to prepare a plan and file for permits before the deadline.
To help you prepare for the deadline, Safer Buildings Coalition has put together a Florida Fire Code Timetable that is available for download here.
Alliance stocks a wide range of products to support public safety DAS / ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems). Our team of Subject Matter Experts can help recommend the right products for your requirements because one small item missing from a bill of materials can cause huge delays. We will help you develop the bill of materials that you need including the all of the ancillary products such as splitters, combiners, antennas, cable and battery-backup systems.
Alliance Corporation has worked extensively with contractors in Florida who can help you. We can help connect you with a contractor who can evaluate your building and make recommendations on a system if needed.