Fire and emergency alarm component manufacturer, Vimpex, says its Fire-Cryer Voice Sounder, with its ‘unique and innovative design’, offers a highly effective solution for emergency evacuation procedures in settings with individuals with sensory sensitivities.
The company says it ‘plays a pivotal role in inclusive emergency preparedness, setting it apart from other evacuation systems’. Vimpex maintains that compared with traditional alarm signals, voice messaging significantly reduces response time, with research showing that 75% of individuals react immediately to clear, authoritative voice messages during fire emergencies. The Fire-Cryer Voice Sounder builds upon vocal alarms’ advantages by providing diverse messages tailored to different alarm states and evacuation zones. This reportedly improves the overall safety of building occupants, and enables phased and staged evacuation in complex buildings.
Vimpex explained: “One of voice evacuation systems’ critical advantages is their ability to address the needs of individuals with sensory sensitivities. According to the Fire Industry Association (FIA) guidance, voice alarm sounders are recommended for special schools, care homes, and other facilities catering to those with sensory sensitivities, the hard of hearing, or older people. Traditional alarm sounders, with their shrill and ear-piercing tones, can trigger panic and anxiety in individuals with conditions such as autism, hearing aid users, or those with a variety of mental health issues. In contrast, voice sounders have been shown to mitigate these reactions, promoting a calmer and more effective evacuation process.
“The versatility of the Fire-Cryer Voice Sounder extends beyond fire applications,” Vimpex added. “In environments where lockdown procedures are necessary, it provides clear and actionable instructions to occupants, ensuring their safety while minimising panic and confusion.”