- Solutions
Area of Refuge
In accordance with the ADA and the Department of Justice,
multi-story buildings must designate areas on each floor (other than ground level) for individuals with limited or restricted mobility to await assistance from first responders in an emergency situation. These areas, called Areas of Rescue or Areas of Refuge, must be equipped with two-way intercom communication stations that call back to a command center on the ground floor of the building.
Innovative can provide a tailored solution to meet the needs of your property while ensuring the system will be accepted per ADA regulations.
What is an Area of Refuge?
An area of refuge, also known as an area of rescue assistance, is a designated area in a building where individuals who require physical assistance can await assisted rescue during an emergency.
If an emergency strikes and individuals inside cannot escape on their own, the area of refuge communication systems become vital for connecting those in distress and with emergency rescue operations.
Per IBC and ADA standards, every multi-story building requires areas of refuge on each floor. These areas are fire-resistance rated and smoke protected and must provide direct access to an exit stairway or to an elevator equipped with standby power.
Some examples of individuals who may use areas of refuge include:
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Individuals with limited or restricted mobility
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Patients of hospitals or clinics
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People on the upper floors of a building, where a fire is present, who cannot safely take stairs to lower levels
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People with young children or infants
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An individual who cannot find or access an escape route or emergency exit
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Any individual assisting another person who is unable to escape
How does an Area of Refuge's communication system work?
An area of refuge is designed with a two-way communication system, much like an intercom, with call stations that connect the designated areas to a command center where first responders can communicate with the individuals needing assistance on the inside.
These communication systems serve two purposes:
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To provide individuals who require physical assistance with evacuation the ability to communicate with first responders.
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To provide emergency responders with the locations of individuals in the building needing assistance, which allows for an easier, safer, and more organized rescue operation for all parties.
While there are several manufacturers of these systems, they all follow the same operating procedures by providing:
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Directional tactile and visual signage displayed outside, guiding to, and inside the area of refuge.
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Initiation of an emergency call by pressing a push button located at the call station within an area of refuge.
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Display of a message or light illuminated on an annunciator panel at the command center, identifying the location of the area of refuge from which a call(s) was initiated, notifying the first responder which area of refuge to communicate with.
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Communication via a 2-way speaker feature at the call station location so that the individual within the area of refuge can speak back and forth with the first responder at the command center.
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Communication from the command center via a handset that first responders can utilize to communicate with the individual in the area of refuge who has initiated a call.
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Cleared calls from the command center once the alert has been acknowledged and assistance has been sent.
Innovative is an industry-leading system specialist focused on helping property owners meet area of refuge requirements as set forth by relevant governing bodies. We have decades of experience offering personalized and effective solutions to property owners in a variety of occupation sectors.
