By This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Director, Public Safety, Cellular Specialties Inc.
A recent survey by the In-Building Wireless Alliance (IBWA) found that less than one-third of fire departments nationwide are able to communicate from within a building to the command and control post outside the building, or the ability to integrate with building automation systems. In-Building Wireless (IBW) solutions provide uninterrupted communications anywhere, anytime from inside a building -- whether it's on the stairwells, in an elevator, the basement or multi-level underground garage. With IBW, occupants can communicate with the outside world or within the building. First responders can talk with their command post to request additional help or clarify an emergency situation, while local and state Departments of Homeland Security can easily issue early-warning systems for all types of emergencies.
Many organizations attribute lack of spectrum or funds for not having deployed ubiquitous coverage, but they are being shortsighted about the return on investment. Indeed, the situation is changing in some cities. Currently the trending adoption of building code and ordinances nationwide require all new commercial building constructions to include radio coverage for public safety signals within the building; Las Vegas, Burbank, Boston, Fort Lauderdale and others issue occupancy permits only if these ordinances are met. Most jurisdictions are utilizing NFPA-1 as well as IFC 2009 fire codes. Both of these organizations outline specifications and recommendations for in-building two-way public safety radio systems which may be incorporated into each jurisdiction's codes.
Nationwide, thousands of public safety agencies have already obtained 4.9 GHz licenses. Using this broadband system tied into the building automation systems, provides first responders access to video from security cameras, location of elevators, and more. Armed with this information, first responders can expedite response time in the event of a fire, hostage situation, terrorist attack or other emergency.
The increased demand for IBW solutions is not only a public safety issue, but is also a value proposition and source of savings for organizations and commercial real-estate owners. According to figures from IBWA, aggregate value within a building is estimated at more than $5 per square foot, per building, per year. An investment in IBW of 55 cents to $1.25 translates into at least five times return on the value of a building -- with potential public safety cost savings estimated between $59-$130 million annually for fire emergencies alone.
Building owners -- residential or commercial -- can easily increase the total asset value per square foot by deploying in-building wireless solutions. Additionally, they can enjoy operational cost savings and efficiencies which can include:
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Wireless monitoring and management of building operating systems (HVAC, security, lighting, elevators, etc.)
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Energy savings -- with wireless integration of building automation systems
Integration of in-building wireless solution in all residential and commercial buildings should move to become a standard for securing public safety while offering building owners high returns on their investment. There is not only the benefit of saving lives operating expenses, which in some cases can also include reduced property and casualty insurance premiums.
David Tuttle is the Director of Public Safety at Cellular Specialties Inc.'s in-building solution offerings.
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