From Spectrum Fire and Security website
The Emergency Warning Systems can be categorized as either:
- A Building Occupant Warning Systems (BOWS)
- A ‘Sound Systems and Intercom Systems for Emergency Purposes’, previously referred to as an Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS)
An Emergency Warning System will consist of the following:
- A manual and automatic alarm activation
- An alert signal, which will include an audible signal, or a combination of audible and visible signals (lights/strobes) in areas of high noise. After a pre-determined period of time, the system will automatically switch to an ‘Evacuation’ signal.
- An evacuation signal, which will include an audible signal, or combination of audible and visible signals, along with automated voice messages instructing the necessary evacuation procedure.
- Ability to allow authorized Fire Wardens or emergency responders to take control and broadcast a verbal emergency public address to all or selected areas of the building via the PA loudspeakers.
- Ability to take manual control of the system if required by authorized Fire Wardens or emergency public responders
- Ability to communicate to one or more Wardens via the Warden Intercommunication Points – EWIS system only
The main point of difference between a Building Occupant Warning Systems and an Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System is the ability to engage in two-way communication via the Warden Intercommunication Points (WIPs). The Building Occupant Warning System does not have this functionality, whereas the Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System does.