What Is the Two-Way Communication System for an Area of Refuge?
- Vinayak Khattar
- Feb 12
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 16
In emergencies, clear communication can be the difference between safe evacuation and serious harm. For people who cannot immediately use stairs or exit a building, an Area of Refuge (AoR) provides a protected waiting space, and a two-way communication system for area of refuge ensures they are never isolated or unheard.
This guide explains exactly what a two-way communication system for an area of refuge is, why it matters, how it works, and when it is required.
How a Two-Way Communication System Supports an Area of Refuge
A two-way communication system for an area of refuge is a permanently installed emergency communication device that enables occupants waiting in a designated Area of Refuge to communicate directly with a monitored location, such as a security desk, fire command center, or emergency control room.
These systems are specifically designed to remain operational during emergencies, including fires, power outages, and building evacuations, and are typically required by building and fire safety codes.
At its core, the system provides clear two-way voice communication between the occupant and emergency responders, supports hands-free or simple push-button operation for ease of use, and ensures reliable performance when normal communication methods may fail.
Importance of Two-Way Communication in Areas of Refuge
An Area of Refuge is only effective if people inside can request help and receive instructions. Without communication, occupants are left uncertain, which increases panic and risk.
Key reasons these systems matter:
Life safety: Enables trapped or mobility-impaired occupants to call for assistance.
Code compliance: Required by most modern building and fire codes.
Emergency coordination: Allows responders to prioritize rescues.
Reassurance: Reduces panic by confirming that help is on the way.
In short, an Area of Refuge without a two-way communication system is incomplete.
How a Two-Way Communication System Works
A two-way communication system works by allowing an occupant in an Area of Refuge to place a call to a monitored location using a simple call station. Once connected, two-way voice communication begins, enabling responders to confirm the occupant’s location, provide instructions, and coordinate rescue or assisted evacuation.
What Happens | Purpose |
1. The occupant enters the Area of Refuge | Provides a protected location for individuals who cannot evacuate immediately due to mobility limitations, injury, or emergency conditions |
2. The user activates the call station | A clearly marked button or hands-free intercom is used to initiate communication |
3. The system connects to a monitored location | The call is routed to a fire command center, security control room, or building management office |
4. Two-way voice communication begins | The operator confirms the occupant’s location, assesses the situation, and provides instructions |
5. Rescue or evacuation is coordinated | Emergency responders know who is waiting, where they are located, and what assistance is needed |
Most two-way communication systems also include visual indicators, such as LED lights, to confirm that a call has been successfully placed and answered.
Check out some real-world case studies:
Components of an Area of Refuge Communication System
Who Is a Two-Way Communication System For?
A two-way communication system for an area of refuge is designed to support individuals who cannot safely evacuate a building during an emergency, including people with disabilities, mobility-impaired occupants, injured individuals, and temporary users who are unable to use stairs or exit routes.
From a responsibility and compliance perspective, these systems are also critical for building owners and operators, facility and safety managers, architects, consultants, and compliance or risk officers, as they play a direct role in meeting life safety requirements and ensuring occupants are accounted for during emergency situations.
Where and When Are They Required?
Two-way communication systems are required in Areas of Refuge located in:
Location Type | Why Two-Way Communication Is Required |
Stairwell landings | Allows occupants unable to use stairs to wait safely and communicate with responders |
Fire-rated corridors | Provides protected refuge spaces with direct emergency communication |
High-rise buildings | Supports coordinated evacuation where full building egress may not be immediate |
Hospitals and healthcare facilities | Enables assisted evacuation of patients and mobility-impaired occupants |
Airports and transportation hubs | Ensures communication for passengers requiring assistance during emergencies |
Educational institutions | Protects students, staff, and visitors in multi-story or large facilities |
Commercial and public buildings | Supports life safety and code compliance in high-occupancy environments |
Code and Compliance Considerations
Most requirements come from:
International Building Code (IBC)
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
Local fire and accessibility regulations
In most jurisdictions, when an Area of Refuge is required or provided, building and fire codes mandate a two-way emergency communication system, subject to local amendments and AHJ approval.
Reliable Two-Way Communication Equipment for Areas of Refuge
Professionals responsible for Area of Refuge communication typically look for systems built specifically for emergency use, not general-purpose phones. Reliability during power loss, clear two-way audio, and long service life are usually higher priorities than advanced features.
LightCom is a specialist in industrial and emergency communication systems, developed for environments where failure is not acceptable. We focus on rugged construction, multiple connectivity options (Analog, SIP, 4G), and long-term reliability, qualities that align well with Area of Refuge requirements.
Top 4 Two-Way Communication Systems
Depending on the building and infrastructure, commonly used options include:
Best for: Industrial and high-noise Area of Refuge locations
This rugged intercom is suitable for Areas of Refuge in factories, parking structures, and transport facilities. Its IP66-rated, vandal-resistant housing supports indoor and semi-outdoor installation and delivers clear hands-free two-way communication with a monitored control center. Available in Analog, SIP, and 4G versions to match site infrastructure.
Best for: High-reliability industrial and exposed refuge areas
This IP67-rated rugged phone delivers reliable two-way emergency communication in demanding environments. It features three programmable auto-dial buttons, a vandal-resistant handset, and corrosion-resistant aluminum housing. Available in Analog, SIP/VoIP, and GSM/4G versions for flexible integration.
Best for: Accessibility-focused designs
This model supports hearing aid compatibility via an integrated induction loop, making it suitable for Areas of Refuge where accessibility compliance is a priority. It is available in Analog, VoIP, GSM, or 4G configurations, offering flexibility across different building standards.
Best for: Healthcare and controlled environments
In hospitals and laboratories, communication devices must meet hygiene and contamination-control requirements. This clean room telephone can be used in protected refuge zones within medical or pharmaceutical facilities while maintaining reliable two-way communication.
Note: These options illustrate how purpose-built emergency communication devices can be matched to different Area of Refuge scenarios without overcomplicating the system.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
“Signage alone is enough”
False. Signs only identify the Area of Refuge; they do not provide real-time communication or allow occupants to request assistance or receive instructions during an emergency.
“Mobile phones can be used instead”
Unreliable. Cellular networks may be overloaded or unavailable during emergencies, and occupants may not have access to a phone, battery power, or signal when it matters most.
“One-way intercoms are sufficient”
Incorrect. Building and fire codes typically require two-way voice communication so occupants can both request help and receive confirmation and instructions from responders.
“Any intercom will do”
Misleading. Area of Refuge communication systems must meet specific life safety, accessibility, durability, and emergency power requirements to be considered code-compliant.
Actionable Tips for Choosing the Right System
Choose code-compliant, purpose-built Area of Refuge communication systems
Ensure hands-free operation or large, accessible buttons
Verify backup power support
Confirm compatibility with existing fire alarm or building systems
Clearly label and test systems regularly
Routine inspection and testing are as important as installation.
Final Thought
A two-way communication system for the area of refuge is a mandatory life safety system that enables occupants who cannot immediately evacuate to communicate with emergency responders. It supports code compliance, coordinated evacuation, and inclusive building safety by ensuring every occupant can request help and receive instructions during emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is a two-way communication system mandatory in all buildings?
No. A two-way communication system is required only in buildings where Areas of Refuge are mandated by code, such as high-rise or multi-story buildings, depending on local building and fire safety regulations.
Q2. Can IP or VoIP systems be used?
Yes. IP- or VoIP-based systems may be used, provided they meet life safety requirements, offer reliable operation during emergencies, and include appropriate backup power to ensure continuous communication.
Q3. How often should these systems be tested?
These systems are typically tested during routine life safety inspections or as specified by local codes, standards, or the building’s emergency preparedness plan.
Q4. What should I look for in a reliable system provider?
Look for a specialist with experience in emergency and industrial communication systems, such as LightCom, rather than general-purpose telephony vendors.
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