In the April 2025 publication, the Fire Industry Association (FIA) issued new guidance on using fire alarm and voice evacuation systems to manage lockdown scenarios in schools. The guidance supports BS 5839-1:2025 and suggests things to consider when implementing a lockdown system.
Key points of the FIA guidance include:
- It is acceptable to use the fire alarm system infrastructure to trigger lockdown messages, as long as clear differentiation from fire alarms is maintained.
- Lockdown commands must override or signal separately from evacuation tones, ensuring occupants don’t respond incorrectly (e.g., evacuating during a lockdown).
- Multi-message, voice-enhanced sounders are recommended as an effective way to meet this guidance without needing expensive PA/VA systems.
The Identi-Cryer® Voice System is designed to deliver clear, reliable voice alerts, instead of a generic tone, which avoids ambiguity and confusion with other alerts. This system complies with this guidance and could be a potential option when implementing a lockdown system.
Matthew Bramham
Product Manager