What is the minimum number of storeys that requires automatic fire department notification in case of fire for schools, hotels, and apartments according to RA 9514?

According to RA 9514, which is the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines, the requirement for automatic fire department notification is established to ensure safety in buildings where occupants may be at risk during a fire emergency. The code specifies that buildings of certain heights, specifically schools, hotels, and apartments, must have systems in place that trigger automatic notification to the fire department.

For schools, hotels, and apartments, the minimum number of storeys that requires such automatic fire department notification is set at four. This level reflects an understanding that as buildings become taller, the risk factors associated with evacuating occupants increase, necessitating a quicker and more efficient response from fire services.

This requirement highlights the importance of early notification in saving lives and protecting property, as well as facilitating more effective fire response strategies for higher occupancy structures, which can be challenging to evacuate in case of an emergency.

Therefore, the correct answer is that buildings having four or more storeys must have an automatic notification system in place, aligning with safety best practices outlined in RA 9514.