Clear, Compliant, and Compassionate Signage for Resident and Patient Safety
If your medical practice, urgent care clinic, dental office, or assisted living facility includes fire-resistant waiting zones for those who may need evacuation help in an emergency, proper area of refuge signage is non-negotiable. Our NFPA and ADA-compliant area of refuge signs and area of rescue assistance signs make sure these spaces are always clearly marked—keeping resident, patients, families, and first responders safe.
Why Area of Refuge Signs Matter in Healthcare
Healthcare facilities host a diverse population—including the elderly, patients with disabilities, and visitors with limited facility knowledge—who may not be able to use stairs or quickly self-evacuate during a fire or emergency. Area of refuge signs direct these individuals to designated, code-approved safe locations where they can await rescue and two-way communication with emergency personnel.
When Are Signs Required?
Area of refuge signs mark interior protected waiting areas. Signs are required by the International Building Code (IBC) and ADA in most multi-story healthcare buildings that do not have direct, accessible exits on every floor.
Area of rescue assistance signs are often mandated in locations such as New York City or for certain use cases within assisted living and nursing home environments.
Exterior area for assisted rescue signs clearly mark outdoor rescue points, or safe spaces where residents, patients, or staff can wait for responders if an interior area isn’t available or practical.
Area of refuge instructional signs describe how to use call boxes and what to do while waiting in the area.
All HealthcareSigns.com area of refuge and area of rescue assistance signs are designed to meet or exceed:
ADA tactile and braille requirements: Raised text and Grade 2 braille for compliance and accessibility.
Visual signage standards: Non-glare finish, high-contrast text and backgrounds, and the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) where required.
Mounting heights: Consistent with ADA and IBC guidelines—usually between 48" and 60" from the floor for tactile signs.
Durable construction to withstand clinical, urgent care, and long-term care environments.
Exterior signs also meet specific requirements for outdoor durability and visibility.
Area of Refuge Signage: Frequently Asked Questions
Is “area of refuge” the same as “area of rescue assistance”?
The terms are commonly used interchangeably. Some building codes and jurisdictions specify “area of rescue assistance” for certain facility types or locations.
What must my signs say?
Signs should clearly read “AREA OF REFUGE” or “AREA OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE” and include accessibility symbols. They often must provide instructions for using in-area communication systems.
Are exterior area for assisted rescue signs required?
If your healthcare facility includes an outdoor holding area for assisted evacuation, code may require signage labeled “EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE.”
Why Buy From HealthcareSigns.com?
Massive selection: Nearly 200 layouts to fit any healthcare application.
Expert guidance: Need help with compliance or custom layouts? Chat or call our customer service team—your message will be answered by real code-savvy humans!
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