---
title: "Fire Alarm System"
type: "wiki"
space: "Security and Emergency Management Services"
author: "Sulakshan Sabaratnam"
created: 2023-05-09T19:15:00Z
updated: 2026-06-17T21:35:45Z
tags: ["fire", "lifesafety", "system"]
url: "https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/60/security-and-emergency-management-services/wiki/view/10350/fire-alarm-system"
---

# Fire Alarm System

# Fire Alarm System

### First-stage alert message, second-stage audible alarm system

Locations equipped with a first-stage alert message, audible second-stage fire alarm system respond in two steps following the activation of a fire alarm.

When the fire alarm is activated, the system will announce:

“Attention please. Attention please. The fire safety system has been activated, authorities are investigating the cause. Please listen for further updates.”

If the investigation determines that a fire emergency does not exist, the next announcement will follow:

“Attention, please. Attention, please. The source of the alarm has been identified. No emergency exists. Thank you for your attention and co-operation.”

If the investigation determines there is a fire emergency, and/or there is an immediate need to evacuate, building occupants will see flashing white fire strobes and hear the evacuation tones, followed by the evacuation announcement:

“Attention please. Attention please. The fire safety system has been activated. For your safety, please evacuate the building immediately using the nearest exit. Do not use the elevators and do not re-enter the area.”

#### Locations

- Newnham Campus
- Seneca@York Campus SEQ Building

### Two-stage audible fire alarm system

The Seneca@York Campus VDB Building is owned by York University and is equipped with a two-stage audible fire alarm system.

The audible first stage consists of a slow-tone alarm that sounds to alert the building occupants of a possible need for evacuation when a fire alarm is activated. There are no voice announcements associated with the first-stage alarm.

Authorities will investigate the cause of the alarm to determine the need for a full building evacuation. If there is no need to evacuate, the slow-pulse alarm will be cancelled.

If there is an immediate need to evacuate, building occupants will hear the second-stage “fast whooping” alarm. Upon hearing the “fast whooping” alarm, occupants should immediately evacuate the building using the nearest available exit and remain outside the building until authorities declare it safe to re-enter. There are no voice announcements associated with the second-stage alarm.

#### Location

- Seneca@York Campus VDB Building

### Single-stage fire alarm system

Locations equipped with a single-stage fire alarm system respond in the following manner:

When you hear an audible fire alarm:

- immediately evacuate the building \(there will be no announcement message\)
- once outside, stay a safe distance away from the building and do not re-enter the building until fire officials have given the all clear

#### Locations

- King Campus Garriock Hall, Magna Hall, Animal Health Centre, outbuildings
- Newnham Campus outbuildings \(stand-alone\)
- Peterborough Campus

### Procedures for Newnham outbuildings \(stand-alone\)

The following outbuildings operate independently from the rest of Newnham Campus: daycare \(ECE\), bus garage and the dome\*.

All of these buildings have a single-stage fire alarm system.

When you hear an audible fire alarm:

- immediately evacuate the building \(there will be no announcement message\)
- once outside, stay a safe distance away from the building and do not re-enter the building until fire officials have given the all clear
- if safe to do so, occupants can enter the main building at Newnham Campus \(as these buildings are not connected to the rest of Newnham Campus\)

\*When the dome is erected, there will be no audible tone coming from the dome itself. If required to evacuate the dome, Seneca staff will sound the air horn and direct occupants to the many exits.