In 2023, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 110,000 non-residential building fires. These fires resulted in approximately 130 deaths, 1,200 injuries, and over $3.16 billion in direct property loss. While fire alarms and sprinkler systems are essential, they are only one part of the solution. The other, often overlooked, part is a clear and effective fire safety sign and evacuation plan strategy. When an emergency strikes, these are the unsung heroes that guide occupants to safety and help first responders do their jobs.
For facility managers, business owners, and safety coordinators of all types of properties, being prepared for a fire isn’t just a good idea—it’s a critical responsibility. A comprehensive safety plan, centered on compliant fire signage, ensures everyone knows what to do and where to go. As a leading US-based manufacturer of code-compliant signage solutions for all industries, EvacuationPlans.com specializes in the fire safety signs and evacuation maps that form the backbone of a great safety plan.
Below is your ultimate checklist of the 9 essential fire signage every facility needs to stay safe and compliant.
Table of Contents
- ADA-Compliant Exit Signage (Tactile and Braille)
- Photoluminescent Exit Signs
- Fire Evacuation Maps
- Area of Refuge Signs
- Fire Extinguisher Location Signs
- Fire Alarm Control Panel Signs
- “In Case of Fire” Elevator Signs
- Fire Hose Station Signs
- Emergency Egress Route Signs (Tactile and Braille)
1. ADA-Compliant Exit Signage (Tactile and Braille)
- What: A clear, illuminated sign that marks a fire exit and includes tactile lettering and braille for individuals with visual impairments.
- Why: To ensure all building occupants, including those with disabilities, can easily locate the nearest exit.
- Where: Mounted above all doors leading to a fire exit.
- Code Requirement: Key emergency exit sign requirements from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandate all permanent signs that identify a room or space to include tactile lettering and braille.
A Photoluminescent Stairwell ID 4 Floors or More (NFPA-PVC1812) sign glows faintly in a dark stairwell, demonstrating visibility during a power outage. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the sign itself.
2. Photoluminescent Exit Signs
- What: Exit signs designed to glow brightly in the dark after being charged by ambient light.
- Why: To ensure exit routes remain visible during a power outage or if a fire causes lighting to fail. They are a passive, energy-efficient solution that provides continuous visibility.
- Where: Mounted above all doors leading to a fire exit. Note that photoluminescent materials are used on both overhead and low-level signs to indicate the path to safety.
- Code Requirement: While not always mandatory, these signs are recommended by many building codes and safety standards to ensure continuous visibility in all conditions.
A facility manager stands in a clean, modern office building lobby looking at a clipboard with a checklist. A Bordered Evacuation Map is clearly visible on the wall. Conveys proactive safety and effective management.
3. Fire Evacuation Maps
- What: Detailed, color-coded maps that show the fastest and safest routes to an exit. They are custom designed for each facility and provide a clear roadmap to safety.
- Why: To guide occupants out of a building and prevent panic, especially in large or unfamiliar facilities.
- Where: Strategically placed in every room, office, hallway, and common area.
- Code Requirement: Many fire codes, such as NFPA evacuation map requirements, require these to be posted and kept up to date with the current building layout. Hotels and assisted living facilities in Massachusetts must also post these inside every guest or resident room.
Data Point: The US Fire Administration reports that cooking equipment is the leading cause of fires in non-residential buildings. Knowing where to locate a fire extinguisher and how to use it safely can make a critical difference in containing a small fire before it becomes a major incident.
4. Area of Refuge Signs
- What: An area of refuge sign identifies a designated protected area where individuals with mobility challenges can wait for assistance from first responders.
- Why: To provide a safe and clearly marked location for people who cannot use stairs during an evacuation.
- Where: At the location of the designated area of refuge.
- Code Requirement: Building codes and ADA standards require these signs as a critical part of an accessible means of egress.
5. Fire Extinguisher Location Signs
- What: Fire extinguisher signs that clearly mark the location of a fire extinguisher.
- Why: To make it easy for a trained individual to quickly find and use an extinguisher to contain a small fire.
- Where: Mounted above the fire extinguisher and visible from multiple directions.
- Code Requirement: Fire codes typically require fire extinguishers to be clearly visible and accessible, with proper signage indicating their location.
6. Fire Alarm Control Panel Signs
- What: A sign that identifies the main control panel for the building’s fire alarm system.
- Why: To help first responders quickly locate the hub of the fire protection system and assess the situation upon arrival.
- Where: Placed next to the fire alarm control panel.
- Code Requirement: Often required by fire signage codes to ensure the panel is easily identifiable to emergency personnel.
An In Case of Fire, Elevators Are Out of Service (INV-ICOF118-A) sign located next to an elevator call button.
7. “In Case of Fire” Signs
- What: A sign that warns people not to use elevators during a fire.
- Why: To reinforce the critical safety rule of using stairs instead of elevators, which can malfunction or become a deadly trap during a fire.
- Where: On every elevator lobby.
- Code Requirement: In case of fire signage is a standard fire code requirement for all buildings with elevators.
8. Fire Hose Station Signs
- What: A sign that marks the location of a fire hose station.
- Why: To ensure trained personnel and first responders can quickly find and use the hose to combat a fire.
- Where: Placed above the fire hose cabinet.
- Code Requirement: Required by fire codes for facilities with standpipe systems.
9. Emergency Egress Route Signs (Tactile and Braille)
- What: Signs that provide additional directional guidance to the nearest emergency exit, including tactile lettering and braille.
- Why: To ensure that every person in the building, including those with visual impairments, can navigate their way to safety.
- Where: In long hallways or complex areas where a single exit sign might not be enough.
- Code Requirement: ADA and building code emergency exit signage requirements provide accessible direction to a safe exit.
The High Cost of Non-Compliance
Choosing to skimp on fire safety signs can have severe and costly consequences. The cost of non-compliance goes far beyond a simple fine.
- Financial Penalties: You could face significant fines from local fire departments, OSHA, and other regulatory bodies. These penalties can run into the tens of thousands of dollars and may be levied for each sign that is missing, incorrect, or non-compliant.
- Legal Liability: In the event of an injury or death, your business could be held legally liable for negligence. If it’s found that a lack of proper signage contributed to the incident, you could face lawsuits, criminal charges, and devastating financial settlements.
- Property Damage and Business Interruption: A fire can halt your business operations, leading to lost revenue and a long, difficult recovery. In 2023, non-residential fires caused over $3.16 billion in property damage. Proper signage can contribute to faster evacuation and quicker response times, which can drastically reduce the extent of the damage.
- Loss of Life: The ultimate cost of non-compliance is the potential for injury or death. An injury from a non-residential fire occurs every 39 minutes, with one fire-related death occurring every 2 hours and 23 minutes. In a fire, every second matters, and the right sign in the right place can be the difference between life and death.
Make Fire Safety Your Priority
Fire safety signs may seem like small, insignificant details. But when the unthinkable happens, they become the silent guides that lead people to safety. By implementing a comprehensive and compliant signage plan, you’re not just following the law; you’re showing a deep commitment to the well-being of everyone who walks through your doors.
EvacuationPlans.com is committed to providing the highest quality code-compliant signage. For signage solutions that meet all your unique needs, including fire safety, shop our fire safety signs or reach out to a compliance expert for assistance. We’re here to help you get it right.
FAQs About Fire Safety Signage
What are the emergency exit sign requirements?
There are specific rules for emergency exit sign requirements. OSHA mandates that all exit signs be clearly visible and illuminated. The IBC also has standards for the location and visibility of exit signs, ensuring they are visible from up to 100 feet away in a corridor. Additionally, the NFPA requires signs to be legible for at least 90 minutes during a power failure, and if you use exit signs with braille they must also adhere to ADA mounting and tactile standards.
What are NFPA exit sign requirements?
NFPA 101: the Life Safety Code requires exit signs to be at least 6 inches high with 3/4 of an inch stroke width. They must be continuously illuminated and have a backup power source that can last for at least 90 minutes during a power outage. The signs must also be a distinctive color that contrasts with the background to ensure easy visibility.
Where should evacuation maps be posted?
Evacuation maps should be posted in a conspicuous location, such as near elevators, stairwells, and main entrances, where occupants can easily see them. The maps should clearly show the “You Are Here” location, primary and secondary evacuation routes, and the location of fire extinguishers and other safety equipment.
What is the proper signage of a fire extinguisher?
The signage of fire extinguisher locations is crucial. A fire extinguisher sign should be clearly visible from a distance, often with an arrow or symbol, to allow for quick access in the event of a small fire.
What is a refuge area?
An area of refuge is a designated space within a building that is separated from other areas by fire-rated construction and provides a safe place for people to wait for assistance during an emergency. They are particularly important for people with mobility impairments who cannot use stairs during an evacuation.
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