In Group I-3 occupancies, what must be equipped for alerting staff?

In Group I-3 occupancies, which includes facilities such as correctional facilities and psychiatric hospitals, it is critical to ensure the safety of both occupants and staff due to the unique risks and challenges presented by these environments. Therefore, both a manual fire alarm system and an automatic smoke detection system are essential for effectively alerting staff in the event of a fire or smoke incident.

The manual fire alarm system allows staff members to initiate an alert to ensure timely evacuation and response, while the automatic smoke detection system enhances emergency preparedness by providing early warning of smoke or fire conditions without the need for manual activation. Together, these systems significantly improve the safety measures in place, ensuring that staff can respond quickly to emergencies in a high-risk setting. This dual approach to fire safety not only complies with regulatory requirements but also underlines the importance of having multiple layers of protection in environments where the safety of vulnerable populations is a priority.