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The rules for fire safety can vary by local area but everyone agrees that fire safety and signs detailing the exit routes leading civilians and emergency personnel quickly to safety are life saving and essential. In commercial buildings with multiple floors the evacuation route signs are placed beside the stairway landings and elevators on every floor, and at every public entrance to the building. In hotels and motels this includes the guest room side of every guest room door. The map will also identify where the stairwells are located while also identifying where emergency equipment such as fire alarms are located. The evacuation signs will contain clear instructions regarding what to do in the event of a fire emergency and will also have the following characteristics:
• The minimum lettering size (non-decorative lettering) will be as specified and must contrast sharply with the background
• The sign will be constructed of a durable material
• Emergency Exit Routes, and map legend, shall include:
o Evacuation routes to stairs and building exits
o Exit doors
o Locations of manual fire alarm stations
o Statements describing both audible and visual fire alarm systems
o Fire Department emergency telephone number: 911
o Statement prohibiting the use of elevators in case of emergency
o Other emergency procedure information or instructions as necessary (e.g., location of areas of refuge).
• The floor plan diagram on each evacuation must be oriented directionally from the vantage point of the viewer.
Other characteristics of the evacuation signs are that the map details be shown in sharp contrast to the background, many also require a non-glare acrylic covering be used, and that the signs be placed at specified heights for easy reading. We are pleased to have fabricated evacuation map signs for multiple schools and commercial buildings so if you are in need of this type of signage contact us at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com. We will need to make a site visit and get copies of the building plans for planning purposes.
