What Is an Area of Refuge?
Area of Refuge Systems
An area of refuge, also known as an area of rescue assistance, is a place within a building where people can safely wait for rescue and call emergency responders for help.
An area of refuge is part of U.S. federal law, enacted in 1990 as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is also part of the International Building Code requirements for all new or change-of-use, multi-story buildings in nearly every state in the United States.
In an emergency, stairways are the main way to escape a multi-story building. For those who are disabled, sick, or elderly, accessing the stairs may not be possible. What should they do? If they try to maneuver the stairs when they know they are unable, they put their safety and the safety of others at risk. If they don’t use the stairs, where do they go to stay safe, and how can they alert emergency responders to their location?
An area of refuge protects many more than just those with disabilities. Even if occupants of the building can use the stairs, there are situations where escape via the stairway is no longer possible because there is a fire or other danger on a lower floor.
Area of Refuge Requirements
In general, there are several common requirements for a refuge area.
- It must be next to the emergency exit path.
- It doesn’t block others who are trying to get out.
- It has the same protection and fire rating as the stairwell.
- It is well labeled to direct people to its location.
- It has fresh, outside air to breathe.
- It is big enough for one or more wheelchairs, depending on the size of the building.
- It is equipped with a two-way communication system so those waiting can call emergency responders.
When is an Area of Refuge Required?
Does your multi-story building have an area of refuge? Should it? The only way to know for sure is to contact the Authority Having Jurisdiction in your municipality.
If you need to install an area of refuge, it’s important to work with the right security provider. Look for providers who are:
- Licensed Fire Protection Engineers
- NICET-certified technicians
- Well-versed in local and national building codes
At FSS Technologies, our installers and designers go through rigorous training programs to ensure that our security and fire safety systems are not only up-to-code, but also meets all of your business’s needs.
Contact our friendly security and fire safety pros to schedule a consultation today.
Explore Our Other Blogs
What are Fire Ratings?
Any business owner would be devastated by a fire, and most turn to fire safety systems for preventative and protective solutions. Still, many are unaware that their building’s materials can directly influence how a fire impacts their building’s structure. In addition to investing in a comprehensive fire safety system, it is critical to consider the…
Cost of Home Security Systems
Getting a security system for your home is a wise investment. While the obvious benefit is protection for your family, home, and belongings, it’s hard to put a price on the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you and your family will have professional help in case of an emergency. Still, you must…
7 Ways Home Monitoring Keeps Your Pets Safe
Your family’s safety is at the forefront of your mind when installing a security system, and that includes your pets as well. When researching a security product that suits your needs, consider the ways that this technology can help your pets stay safe too. We have detailed some of the most common hazards as well…
The Cost of Alarm Monitoring vs. the Cost of a Break-In
Property crime in the United States is costly. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, property crimes in 2018 resulted in an estimated $16.4 billion of losses. The Cost of Crime Larceny-theft is the most common of all property crimes, accounting for 73.4 percent. Larceny-theft is defined as the unlawful taking, carry, leading,…
Where Should Fire Alarm Pull Stations Be Located?
While they generally go unnoticed until a moment of need, fire alarm pull stations are an integral part of a business or large residential building’s commercial fire system. What is a fire alarm pull station? As opposed to a smoke detector or sensor, human intervention activates a manual pull station and is the catalyst for setting…
Livly: A Modern Residential Community Experience
The Livly property and tenant management system is one of the most cutting-edge and all-inclusive apartment app experiences available today. The system offers low-cost technology and fully integrated experiences that pair well with a variety of existing property management systems. As a proud partner with Livly, FSS Technologies offers this trusted technology solution for both…
Emergency Egress 101 for Commercial Buildings
When people think about emergency egress, they usually picture exit signs and the nearest door. In reality, egress is the entire route occupants rely on to get out quickly and safely—often under heightened stress, reduced visibility, and crowded conditions. When a means of egress isn’t clear or usable, even a minor emergency can turn into…
Best Small Business Security Systems
While no two small businesses are the same, they share commonalities when it comes to what they want in a security system. Most small business owners want to do three things: Protect their people, property, and assets from fire Protect their people, property, and assets from theft See what is happening in their business even…
DIY Home Security Cameras
DIY Security Systems Are the New Fad There are many pre-configured, DIY home security system kits on the market. They are sold under various brand names including Ring, Nest, SimpliSafe, and others. The basic idea of a DIY home security system is that you pay one low fee to purchase all of the equipment and…
Renter’s Insurance Discounts and Security Systems
Home invasions or burglaries are a threat to any household, regardless of where they are located. One of the biggest deterrents for burglars is a home security system that could record evidence of their actions or could notify the authorities at the time of a break-in. This is a huge motivator for homeowners when deciding…