Firefighter wearing a helmet and breathing mask uses a handheld radio near flames inside a smoke-filled building.

WZC Celebrates Two Decades of Emergency Responder Radio Systems

Projects at health care and senior living facilities illustrate gaps in indoor radio signals and the role of coverage testing.

WZC Networking released a project review on emergency responder radio coverage inside buildings as the firm marks its 20th anniversary.

The company highlighted Clawson Manor Co-op, a 15-story senior housing building where its survey found adequate signal strength in 51% of the property. Coverage in exit corridors met the required thresholds in 34% of areas.

After WZC installed a signal booster and distributed antenna system, every tested grid area met the thresholds, according to the company.

At Corewell Health Endoscopy Center, inadequate radio coverage surfaced during testing shortly before the facility’s planned opening. WZC said its engineering work and documented test results helped secure a temporary certificate of occupancy while a permanent system was completed.

The company also emphasized continued inspections and testing after installation, including checks of backup batteries, alarms and signal coverage.

Founded in Novi, Michigan, in 2006 by radio frequency engineer John Wierzgac, WZC designs, installs and maintains emergency communications systems.

About the Author

Chelsey Arries is assistant editor of Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.

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