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ii COMPLETE ERCES HANDBOOKThe authors and the Safer Buildings Coalition are grateful to the following people who took the time to review our handbook and to share their thoughts about it.Since adopting Emergency Responder Communication in the codes, the industry has been searching for direction and assistance. This handbook is a much-needed resource and provides information for the design, deployment, and maintenance of these systems. As the current Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire and Life Safety Section, I highly recommend this book to fire and building officials reviewing and approving life safety systems.%u2014 Greg Rogers, International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) %u2013 Fire and Life Safety Section (FLSS) ChairThere%u2019s no connection more important than one that can help save a life, and reliable in-building communications are essential to enabling those connections for our first responders and the people they serve. This comprehensive guide is a must-read that expertly breaks down the details and science behind an otherwise complex topic, providing clear solutions and invaluable best practices while also addressing the heart of the matter %u2013 ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page for public safety. %u2014 Chris Sambar %u2013 President, AT&T NetworkIn-building communications for responders and the public is now a social and operational expectation. Reliability is essential and it all begins with trained professionals who execute as if lives depend on their work%u2026because they do. The Safer Buildings Coalition has built this desk reference to ensure we have the best resources to ensure success. On behalf of the public safety community%u2026thank you for this essential work!%u2014 Jeffrey D. Johnson, Chief, Western Fire Chiefs Association; FirstNet Authority, Vice President 2012%u20132018As one of the authors of the original code language requiring in-building communications systems (now more commonly called Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems), I can attest to the need for this handbook. Our original goal was simple: if a firefighter can communicate via radio at the front door of the building, that same firefighter should be able to communicate while inside the building.This manual is the first of its kind and is sorely needed. It was written to address all of the stakeholders involved in ERCES with particular focus on installers, designers, AND code officials. It will be extremely beneficial to those inspectors conducting plan review and acceptance testing of these systems. The authors are preeminent experts in the field and have provided a guide that is understandable by those of us without as much experience and insight into this technology. %u2014 Jim Tidwell, President %u2013 Tidwell Code Consulting, LLC Formerly: Deputy Senior Vice President of Government Relations for ICC, and Chief, Fort Worth, Texas, Fire Department (Ret.)I applaud the hard work of the Safer Buildings Coalition to put together all the information related to Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES) in one handbook that is simple to read and understand. This information is essential for all the stakeholders involved in the process to understand each other%u2019s roles and responsibilities and the many different technologies involved to create an atmosphere of clear emergency communications within buildings. The handbook also provides a clear and concise pathway for compliance with definitions, code requirements, and industry best standards. As an AHJ, I like that I can reference this material when a project is presented and know firsthand that the information is credible and up to date with the latest technological advancements in the industry.%u2014 Jeffrey A. Lucas, Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, and President, Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors AssociationAs a public safety radio system operator, we need to know that in-building communication enhancement systems are being designed and installed properly, especially in dense urban environments. This thorough handbook from SBC sets the standard for workforce training and captures best practices for AHJs, license holders, and industry professionals working on ERCES projects.%u2014 Michelle Geddes, Chief Information Officer, Department of Emergency Management, City and County of San FranciscoI am extremely excited to see the Complete ERCES Handbook being launched and also to see the accompanying NICET certification for In-Building Public Safety become a reality. The book is extremely comprehensive with its coverage of standards, the physics of radio propagation, installation standards, etc., and will be invaluable to newcomers and veterans of the ERCES industry. Given the importance of TESTIMONIALS FOR THE COMPLETE ERCES HANDBOOK