If the building lacks a public address system, how are evacuees typically informed?

In a situation where a building lacks a public address system, the most effective way to inform evacuees is through verbal instructions provided by staff or the fire department. This method ensures that individuals receive immediate and clear guidance directly from trained personnel who can direct the evacuation process. Staff members can assess the situation and communicate specific instructions tailored to the immediate environment and the needs of the occupants, ensuring a safer and more organized evacuation.

Other methods, while potentially useful in certain contexts, may not provide the same level of immediate and personalized communication. For instance, evacuation messages sent via text might not reach everyone in time or could be ignored, general alarms sounding at regular intervals may not convey specific instructions and could also cause panic, and wireless communications to cell phones could be unreliable in emergencies due to network overload. Therefore, having a direct line of communication from staff provides the clearest and most actionable information during an emergency evacuation.