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Emergency Voice Evacuation Systems in Chicago
Discover Forbel's Voice Evacuation Systems
Every second counts during an emergency, and clear communication saves lives. Forbel's emergency voice evacuation systems deliver intelligible spoken instructions that guide occupants to safety. Our Chicago-certified technicians design, install, and maintain voice evacuation systems that are compliant with NFPA 72 standards and Chicago Municipal Code requirements for high-rise buildings, schools, hospitals, and commercial facilities throughout Chicagoland.
Our Emergency Voice Evacuation Solutions
Two-Way Fire Department Communication Systems
Chicago code requires emergency two-way stations in each stairwell, with at least one station every fifth floor. This allows incident commanders to coordinate with crews throughout the building, redirect evacuees away from danger, and communicate with trapped occupants when radio signals fail in concrete stairwells.
One-Way Public Address Systems
Broadcasting from the fire command center, these systems deliver pre-recorded or live announcements to specific zones or the entire building. Chicago code requires speakers in all stairwells at five-floor intervals, elevators and lobbies, corridors every 75 feet, office areas over 5,000 square feet, and at all exit doors. Customize messages for fire location, weather emergencies, security threats, or chemical hazards.
Mass Notification Integration
Beyond fire emergencies, modern voice evacuation systems address multiple threats as part of comprehensive Mass Notification Systems (MNS). NFPA 72 now includes requirements for MNS to handle weather emergencies, security threats, and other hazards, all of which are essential for Chicago's severe weather and urban security challenges.
Smart Building Technology Integration
Comprehensive communication is key to keeping modern threats at bay. Our voice evacuation systems integrate with Mass Notification Systems (MNS) as required by NFPA 72, addressing Chicago's severe weather, active threats, and hazardous material incidents. The system automatically switches between pre-programmed responses while maintaining fire alarm priority.
Complete Life Safety Solutions
System Design & Engineering
Our NICET-certified engineers design voice evacuation systems tailored to your building's unique acoustics and occupancy patterns, ensuring message intelligibility in every zone.
Fire Alarm Installation
Factory-trained technicians install complete fire alarm systems with integrated voice evacuation, ensuring seamless operation and first-time inspection approval.
Annual Testing & Inspection
NFPA 72 Chapter 14 mandates rigorous testing, including 24-hour battery backup, intelligibility measurements, and integration verification. The Chicago Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau requires annual testing documentation for all voice evacuation systems in commercial buildings.
24/7 Monitoring Services
UL-certified central station monitoring ensures immediate emergency response while tracking system health to prevent failures.
Why Chicago Businesses Choose Forbel
As Illinois-licensed alarm contractors, we navigate Chicago's complex codes, from Municipal requirements to state NFPA adoptions, providing peace of mind regarding permit approval and inspection success.
Our team holds NICET Level III certifications, maintains factory training on all major brands, and works directly with Chicago Fire Prevention Bureau inspectors for code interpretations.
From initial fire risk assessment through lifetime maintenance, we provide complete solutions including system design, installation, testing, monitoring, and emergency service.
With 500+ voice evacuation installations, 98 percent first-inspection approval rate, and zero fire deaths in protected buildings, we've earned a preferred vendor status with major Chicago properties.
Industry-Specific Solutions
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals require specialized voice evacuation strategies for non-ambulatory patients, surgical areas, and behavioral health units. Our systems provide zone-specific instructions while maintaining critical operations.
Educational Campuses
From K-12 schools to universities, we design age-appropriate messaging with lockdown capabilities, weather alerts, and multi-building coordination.
High-Rise Multifamily Buildings
Chicago's Life Safety Evaluation program offers alternatives to expensive sprinkler retrofits. Voice communication systems, combined with fire-rated doors and corridors, can satisfy LSE requirements while significantly improving evacuation safety in older buildings, as the Chicago Department of Buildings outlines.
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Commercial & Industrial
Manufacturing facilities and warehouses need systems that overcome machinery noise while providing specific hazard instructions for chemical releases or equipment failures.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
Take Action to Protect Lives Today
Don’t wait another day to take action. The Chicago Fire Department’s response times average over 7 minutes; your voice evacuation system must provide clear guidance immediately. Forbel's emergency communication solutions deliver the intelligible instructions that save lives when every second counts.