The Basic Requirements of an Area of Refuge The Concept of an Area of Refuge

An area of refuge is a specific location within a building categorically developed by the providers of building control services in Los Angeles and other locations, to keep people safe if there is an emergency. In more specific terms, an area of refuge is set aside for situations when evacuation may not seem to be feasible or is otherwise unsafe.  

We can cite the example of the patients in a hospital who may not be able to utilize a stairwell to exit the building due to a sudden fire. People can safely wait in the area of refuge until rescued by firefighters, experienced in smoke control service or emergency rescue teams. Accordingly, this area may also be known as the area of rescue assistance. 

People Who Need to Utilize These Spaces 

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• Sick People  
• People with Disabilities  
• Elderly People 
• Hospital Patients 
• Very young children or infants 
• Operators in critical facilities who are not permitted to leave their work stations, such as power stations, military bases, prisons, etc. 
• Any person assisting another person who cannot escape due to physical challenges 
• Any person who is unable to access an escape route 
• People on the top floors of a building who cannot take stairs safely through lower levels where a fire is still existing. 

 

Main Requirements for An Area of Refuge 

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• A fire barrier meant for protection  
• Should be located at a place where it doesn’t block others trying to escape. 
• The location has to be extremely close to an emergency exit path 
• There should be enough signs and symbols to guide where to go for shelter 
• Fresh air intake 
• A two-way voice communication system  
• Emergency lighting if there is any power outage 
• Sufficiently large for wheelchair accessibility 
• In public buildings, it must exist mandatorily on each floor above ground level 

Communication Systems for An Area of Refuge 

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• There has to be a two-way voice communication system 
• There must be a call button for those awaiting rescue in an area of refuge 
• A confidence light should be there to indicate an active call button 
• An acknowledgment light needs to show that someone at the central control point assigned for central station monitoring is aware of the call for help. 

How to Choose Your Service Provider? 

At the very outset, choose a company that installs and maintains fire alarm systems too in commercial as well as public buildings. The service provider should have experience to set up area of refuge communication systems. Secondly, you must ensure that all the fire alarm systems meet the essential testing requirements from the NFPA. 

Remember that public buildings and high-rises are generally required by local building codes to have an area of refuge on each floor above ground level. Hire the providers of the best fire alarm service in Glendora to help you meet local requirements and maintain your system on an ongoing basis. They should have significant exposure and proficiency in business alarm systems. Check whether they cater to hotels, schools, colleges, hospitals, and office buildings. If you already have existing security in place, they should be able to upgrade the equipment.  

Check whether they specialize in various types of fire systems like Edwards and Honeywell. A live operator should always be prepared to receive your call and listen to your needs. They should suggest an option that works best for you. There should be free security reviews with an expert consultant for your business. 

Conclusion 

Follow the suggestions mentioned in this article and ensure safety for all.