What is a Public Safety Distributed Antenna System (DAS)?
A Public Safety DAS, also known as an Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System (ERCES), is an antenna-based system that ensures first responders and safety officials maintain mission-critical wireless communications during emergencies within buildings of all sizes. States, cities, and counties across the country have established ordinances within their building codes that require the presence of a Public Safety DAS, and the lack of this solution can not only impair emergency response communications but can impact a location’s Certificate of Occupancy status.
Why is a Public Safety DAS Essential?
Public Safety DAS exist and are necessary to ensure critical communications between members of first responder teams that can mean the difference between life and death as they coordinate and execute emergency response tactics.
First responders coordinate efforts via radio signals broadcast within government-mandated frequency ranges, generally in the VHF, UHF, 700, and 800 MHz bands. However, the preponderance of steel, concrete, and low-emissivity (Low-E) glass in modern construction creates many challenges for a reliable signal in large venues or multiple-level buildings. The density of the materials, coupled with the square footage within the structure, makes it difficult for first responder radio signals to penetrate and populate the entirety of the space.
These suboptimal conditions create many issues for first responders who count on reliable, high-performing radio coverage and expect it. As a result, municipalities are making the presence of a Public Safety DAS mandatory and a requirement of occupancy. Building owners and operators are responsible for adhering to all codes and ordinances related to their properties, but Pierson Wireless’ team of public safety communications experts will assist you in understanding and navigating your municipality’s requirements.
Pierson Wireless is an industry leader in public safety solutions that provide reliable in-building coverage that protects and saves lives. Our designs and solutions meet NFPA, IFC, and local building code requirements. Pierson Wireless solutions can support all frequencies and public safety radio technologies, and we offer comprehensive monitoring packages to ensure the operability of your Public Safety DAS solution.
Why are Public Safety DAS Systems Essential?
The single most important reason Public Safety DAS exist and are necessary is to ensure critical communications between members of first responder teams that can mean the difference between life and death as they coordinate and execute emergency response tactics.
First responders coordinate efforts via radio signals broadcast within government-mandated frequency ranges, normally in the VHF, UHF, 700 and 800 MHz bands. However, the preponderance of steel, concrete and low-emissivity (Low-E) glass in modern construction creates many challenges for a reliable signal in large venues or multiple-level buildings. The density of the materials, coupled with the square footage within the structure makes it difficult for first responder radio signals to penetrate and populate the entirety of the space.
These suboptimal conditions create many issues for first responders who not only count upon reliable, high performing radio coverage but expect it. As a result, municipalities are making the presence of a Public Safety DAS mandatory and a requirement of occupancy.
