The Fire Command and Control Center serves as a remote monitoring and control hub, integrating all emergency management facilities to effectively address incidents, particularly fires. 

Key Features:                              

Talkback System:

Two-way talkback speakers are installed throughout the building. When occupants need emergency assistance, they can activate the talkback call button, which triggers the system monitor to identify the caller’s location. Control room personnel acknowledge the call and communicate with the caller to coordinate an appropriate response. Additionally, fire control room staff can use the talkback calling unit to contact one or more field talkback units during an emergency.

Public Address System: 

Speakers are installed throughout the building to facilitate emergency communications with occupants. These speakers are zonally controlled, allowing for targeted announcements. Control room personnel can activate specific zonal speakers to deliver voice messages during emergencies. The control unit also has the capability to activate all speakers simultaneously for mass notifications. 

Manual Call Point System:

Manual call points are installed throughout the building. If anyone detects a fire, they can activate a call point to alert the control room of the fire’s location, allowing the fire warden to respond appropriately. Some buildings also feature a sector fire alarm panel that displays alarms for specific areas, assisting the sector fire warden in taking necessary actions alongside the FCC fire alarm monitor.

Automatic Fire Detection System: 

Automatic fire detectors are strategically placed throughout the building to detect abnormal temperatures, smoke, flames, and the presence of toxic or flammable gases. When fire is is detected, the system sends a signal directly to the Fire Command Center (FCC) or through a sector fire alarm panel, indicating the fire’s location and enabling a prompt response from the fire warden.

Sprinkler System Monitoring: 

The sprinkler system serves as both a fire detection and suppression system. Sprinkler activation is detected using flow switches that send signals to the Fire Command Center (FCC). Maintaining water pressure throughout the sprinkler and hydrant pipelines is crucial. Pressure switches installed at various remote points along the pipelines will alert the FCC if low pressure is detected, prompting appropriate action.

Deactivation of Access-Controlled Doors:  

Many doors in the building are equipped with magnetic locks for access control. To ensure the safe evacuation of occupants and allow entry for fire service personnel, a remote deactivation feature for these doors should be available at the Fire Command Center (FCC).

Elevator Emergency System:

If occupants become trapped in an elevator, they can activate the emergency call button located inside the lift car. The lift emergency monitoring unit identifies the lift number and current floor, enabling control room personnel to take appropriate action. The system also includes a talkback speaker for communication with control room staff.

Fire Pump House Monitoring:  

A variety of parameters must be monitored during normal operations and fire emergencies, including water reservoir sump levels, diesel fuel levels, water pressure on the header, main pump start failures, main pump activation, and battery condition. Since the fire pump house is typically unmanned, remote monitoring from the Fire Command and Control Center is essential.

Fire Curtain System:

To create compartmentalization and control the spread of fire and smoke, water curtains or fiberglass cloth screens can be electrically activated. Monitoring and control of the curtain systems should be accessible at the Fire Command Center (FCC) as needed.

Smoke Ventilation System:

The smoke ventilation system is designed to clear smoke and is installed in various areas of the building, particularly in escape lobbies, staircases, and underground parking. These systems are electrically operated, and their monitoring and control should be accessible at the Fire Command Center (FCC).

Staircase Pressurization System:  

A staircase pressurization fan introduces clean outside air into the stairwell during a fire, helping to push smoke back and keep it out of escape routes. These systems are electrically operated, and their monitoring and control should be accessible at the Fire Command Center (FCC).

LPG/CNG Piped Gas System Control: 

The building utilizes a piped gas system for cooking and other purposes. In the event of a fire or gas leak, a remote shut-off facility should be accessible at the Fire Command Center (FCC).

CCTV Systems: 

CCTV systems are extensively installed throughout the building. Monitors for these systems should be positioned at the Fire Command Center (FCC) to assist with various functions, particularly during emergencies.

Note:

Central fire command and control center

In building complexes with multiple high-rise towers, each individual tower should have its own ground-floor Fire Control and Command Center in addition to the central Fire Control and Command Center for the entire complex. Signals and controls from each tower’s Fire Control and Command Center should be integrated with the central Fire Control and Command Center