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
Residential vs. Business Security
What is the difference between a commercial and a residential security system? Commercial real estate is a property type that is only for business or retail purposes. Residential real estate is a property type specifically designed for living purposes, if it is four units or less– anything larger than that is considered a commercial property….
Avigilon Alta: Leading Commercial Access Control
With the rise in popularity of hybrid workspaces and flexible scheduling, more business owners are turning to access control systems to secure their investments. Not only are access control systems the latest standard for commercial security, but FSS Technologies is a proud partner with Avigilon Alta, the leading access control system manufacturer. Why Avigilon Alta?…
Can Your CCTV and Access Control Systems be Integrated?
When setting up security for your business, you might consider adding CCTV and access control systems. These two security measures work great to deter crime on their own, and provide even greater security when integrated. This pairing has many advantages, but it is also a complex setup that may not be right for you. There…
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…
Advantages of Having an Alarm System
There are a lot of advantages to having an alarm system. For starters, the National Council for Home Safety and Security says that homes without an alarm system are three times as likely to get burglarized. 3 Benefits of Alarm Systems Peace of mind Protecting your home from intruders is one of the most common…
Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?
The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…
Testing Fire Alarm Call Points
Most large commercial-grade fire alarms today are addressable systems. Unlike conventional systems that use fire alarm zones, addressable fire alarm systems assign a unique “call point” to every device. Each one sends a digital signal to the main panel, creating a two-way line of communication that shows activations and status updates. An addressable panel can then identify…
Items Burglars Want Most
Burglars move quickly. Because they tend to spend as little as ten minutes inside a home or business, several big-ticket items tend to fall prey to thieves. While some items on our list come to mind instantly, some may be more subtle. Outside of installing a security system, taking extra steps to secure your items…
Security Camera Resolutions Explained
Different Security Camera Resolutions and Which is Right for You Welcome to the 2020s—it’s finally time to pull the trigger and get a home security camera. Now what? There are a baffling number of cameras and resolutions available on the consumer market, but the math behind figuring out what you want in a security camera…
Is the Use of CCTV Cameras in the Workplace Illegal?
Know the Law Business owners are responsible for the security and well-being of their employees and company property. Many companies use technology such as cameras, motion detectors, and other tools to keep an eye on their building or cash areas. Many new businesses and employees may be wondering: Are CCTV cameras illegal in the workplace? Let’s…