What are the best practices for creating fire escape routes and signage?

1 Know the codes and standards

Before you start planning your fire escape routes and signage, familiarize yourself with the relevant codes and standards that apply to your building type and location. These may include local, state, or federal regulations, plus industry-specific guidelines or best practices. For instance, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes several standards for fire safety (e.g., NFPA 101: Life Safety Code and NFPA 170: Standard for Fire and Emergency Signs). These standards cover topics ranging from the number of exits to the testing and maintenance of fire safety systems.

2 Assess the risks and hazards

Conduct a risk assessment of your building and identify the potential scenarios of fire and smoke. This will help you determine the optimal locations and configurations of your fire escape routes and signage, as well as the appropriate fire protection measures and equipment. Consider factors like the activity level of different areas, the type of combustible materials, the presence of electrical or mechanical equipment, the layout and occupancy of the building, along with the availability and accessibility of exits.

3 Design clear and accessible routes

Once you've identified the risks and hazards, design your fire escape routes and signage to ensure that they are clear, accessible, and easy to follow. Provide at least two exits from each area that are remote from each other and lead to a safe place outside the building. Avoid obstructions that may hinder evacuation. Make sure that the exits and exit paths are well-lit, marked and maintained at all times. Additionally, use recognizable signs that indicate the direction, distance, and location of exits, plus any warnings. Employ contrasting colors to make the signs stand out from the background, enhancing visibility. Reflective materials or backup power sources help to ensure that the signs are visible in low-light or smoky conditions.

4 Train and educate the occupants

Inform the occupants of your building on how to use the fire escape routes and signage in case of an emergency. To ensure the safety of your occupants, conduct regular drills that simulate different fire scenarios. Additionally, provide clear instructions on how to evacuate safely and quickly, where to assemble, and what to do (or not do) in a fire situation. Encouraging feedback from the occupants on how to improve your fire escape routes and signage can also be beneficial. Be sure update your fire escape routes and signage to reflect any changes in your building or occupancy. By following these best practices, you can create fire escape routes and signage that enhance your building's fire safety.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?