Fire evacuation maps and evacuation plans may sound similar, but they have some key differences. Let’s explore those differences and how each is used for emergency planning.
What is a Fire Evacuation Map?
A fire evacuation map (sometimes called a diagram) is a building schematic used by occupants to navigate away from a fire safely. These maps should be easy to read and clearly highlight the best route to safety.
As news headlines about fires in school buildings or manufacturing facilities remind us, the best precaution against an emergency is to be prepared.
Fire evacuation maps are a vital part of this preparation. Not only do they provide easy-to-read directions during an emergency, but they can also be used during fire drills, so occupants know where the nearest exit is and the best route to safety. An outdated or hard-to-read map poses a danger to anyone who enters the building.
Evacuation strategies must be specific to the building, its occupants, and even the type of emergency. During a fire, evacuation routes should highlight the best path to safety while giving other important information like avoiding elevators. For other emergencies, like flood evacuation or severe weather, occupants may have to exit the building and head for higher ground or take shelter in an interior room.
What is an Evacuation Plan?
An evacuation plan (also called a “fire evacuation plan”, “emergency action plan”, or “emergency operations plan”) is much broader in scope than an evacuation map. The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Code requires nearly all public buildings to have an emergency action plan.
Details on emergency action plans (EAPs) are spelled out in the NFPA’s Life Safety Code. The minimum seven items are:
- Procedures for reporting of emergencies
- Occupant and staff response to emergencies
- Evacuation, relocation, and shelter-in-place procedures appropriate to the building, its occupancy, emergencies, and hazards
- Appropriateness of the use of elevators
- Design and conduct of fire drills
- Type and coverage of building fire protection systems
- Other items required by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
The best way to be prepared for an emergency is to plan for it. An EAP helps businesses and organizations do this by planning evacuation strategies specific to each building, its occupants, and the type of emergency.
Both Should Be Part of Your Safety Plan
Evacuation maps and evacuation plans are not the same, and both should be part of your safety plan. An easy way to remember the differences is to think about how each is used.
- An evacuation plan is an overall strategy for responding to emergencies. Each plan should be unique to the building, its occupants, and the type of emergency.
- An evacuation map is a component of an evacuation plan. It might hang on a wall or be included in your written Emergency Action Plan.
Be Prepared with Building Maps
The experts at Building Maps can help you prepare for an emergency. We help you create fire evacuation maps based on building layout, occupancy, fire codes, and industry best practices. All of our illustrators are trained in fire and life safety and are familiar with codes and standards of the NFPA, ICC, and OSHA. Our maps can help clarify your fire evacuation plan or emergency action plan, so you’re prepared for any emergency.
