Voice alarm systems provide the means to alert occupants and allow live or pre-recorded messages to be broadcast to selective areas of the building. Voice messages can also be broadcast throughout the building if necessary. Two-way voice communication is also required to allow responding personnel the means to communicate within these buildings. Due to the size and configuration of most casinos, portable radios are ineffective. Therefore, a fixed two-way communication system is required.
Smoke detection is the primary detection source in an alarm and detection system.
The respective codes require smoke detectors to be situated in various locations throughout the building in order to detect fire in their incipient stages. Detectors associated with the air-handling systems are used to prevent the migration of smoke through the building's air conditioning system. When a detector is activated, either the respective fan is shutdown or the building's smoke control system is activated. The majority of today's codes require an alarm system to notify building occupants of a fire condition. This is done through audible and visible notification appliances.