Evacuating out of a building can be unsafe and even nearly impossible for some people during an emergency. Areas of refuge, however, allow individuals to wait in these safe locations until first responders can get to them. Examples of people who might use an area of refuge include the elderly, disabled, caregivers, small children, and anyone else unable to access the egress route. An area of refuge is a designated area within a building designed to house people safely during an emergency. With so many variables at play in an emergency situation, the key to keeping people safe is through communication. Therefore, we’ll discuss the necessary area of refuge signage mandated by your fire code. Generally, areas of refuge require the same signage, but some of the content may differ based on your facility’s specific layout.

While there are several exceptions, the general requirements according to the ICC 1009.3.3 and 1009.4.2, state that those facilities where two-way communication is provided at elevator landings and where buildings are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system are exempt from providing an area of refuge. So if a hotel does not have an automatic sprinkler system throughout its facility, or if a two-way communication system is not located at an elevator landing, then the hotel will have to establish a refuge point with accompanying signage.

The first issue to understand about public accommodation signage is that if a sign is used to designate a permanent space or if a sign has information about a facility’s use, then it must conform to an accessibility criterion. Whether it’s a directional, informational, or designatory area of refuge sign, it has to conform to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, or as cited in the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), the ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. The main focus of the accessible design standards involves tactile and visual elements which enable blind or low-vision guests to read the signs and comprehend the location of an area of refuge. These requirements for area of refuge signs are found within chapter 10, § 1009, Accessible Means of Egress. There are four primary sign categories for areas of refuge:

  1. Communication system directions
  2. Area identification
  3. Directionals to area
  4. Area instructions

We’ll go into detail about the signage requirements for the second, third, and fourth categories.

Identify the Area of Refuge

This includes tactile and visual characters that meet the accessibility standards mentioned above; however, the IFC dictates the language applied to these signs. Subsection 1009.9, Signage, requires that each door providing access to either an area of refuge or an exterior area for assisted rescue shall be identified by a sign stating “AREA OF REFUGE” or “EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE.” Additionally, these identification signs must also include the International Symbol for Accessibility (ISA). The ISA is displayed as a traditional symbol or the newer, dynamic symbol (based on jurisdiction). 

An exit door with a window. Mounted on the wall to the right of the door are an EXIT sign and an ARE OF REFUGE sign with the ISA wheelchair symbol of accessibility

Direct Guests to the Refuge

In order for guests to safely get to areas of refuge, directional signage should guide occupants to these protective spaces in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, subsection 1009.10 states, “Directional signage indicating the location of all other means of egress and which of those are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following: (1) At exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress; (2) At elevator landings; and (3) Within areas of refuge.” In other words, all directional signage, such as signs with directional arrows to evacuation diagrams, must distinguish the various means of egress paths from the refuge space. Directional signs must also include all necessary symbols to convey accessibility purpose and information. 

A hotel hallway showing a GUEST LAUNDRY and to the left of that, under a lighting fixture, is an AREA OF REFUGE directional sign with ISA wheelchair symbol

Provide Instruction to Guests in Rescue Areas

Finally, subsection 1009.11 Instructions states, “In areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted. Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters. The instructions shall include all of the following: (1) Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others; (2) Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance; and (3) Directions for use of the two-way communication system where provided.” The basic instructions are very broad, as you can see; therefore, it’s important to work closely with both the fire inspector and our sales team to ensure you draft the proper instructions for your hotel. 

A stairwell with an ARE OF REFUGE INSTRUCTIONS sign mounted near the corner

Ensuring that your interior area of refuge and exterior areas of rescue signs can be safely accessed is vital to sheltering guests during an emergency, and you must have this set up to have a truly safe hotel. If you’re still confused about what types of signage you would need for your area of refuge or how the ICC affects your hotel, please reach out to HOTELSIGNS.com. Our customer service team will help walk you through the various intricacies of hotel safety signage, and you’ll be sure to have an area of refuge that’s compliant with all requirements.