Required Map Elements
- "You Are Here" indicator with clear orientation
- Primary evacuation routes (green arrows)
- Secondary/alternate evacuation routes
- Emergency exit locations with door symbols
- Fire extinguisher locations (red symbols)
- Fire alarm pull stations
- First aid kit locations
- AED (defibrillator) locations
- Emergency assembly point designation
- Stairwell locations and floor numbers
- Elevator locations (marked NOT for evacuation use)
- Hazardous material storage areas
- Shelter-in-place locations (for severe weather)
- Building name and floor number
Visual Legend Requirements
Every evacuation map must include a clear legend explaining all symbols used. OSHA and NFPA recommend standardized colors: GREEN for safe exit routes and assembly areas, RED for fire equipment and hazards, BLUE for first aid and medical equipment, YELLOW for caution areas.
ADA Compliance Requirements
- Accessible evacuation routes clearly marked
- Areas of rescue assistance identified
- Elevator evacuation procedures (where approved)
- Wheelchair-accessible exit routes
- Visual and tactile map options for accessibility
Map Sizing & Placement Rules
Maps should be mounted at eye level (approximately 54-60 inches from floor to center). Size requirements: minimum 8.5x11 for small spaces, 11x17 for medium areas, 18x24 or larger for large open floor plans. Post within 10 feet of all major exits and in areas where 10+ people regularly gather.
Evacuation Map Creation Process
Gather Floor Plans
Collect current architectural drawings, blueprints, or create accurate measurements of your space
Identify Safety Elements
Walk through and document all exits, fire equipment, first aid stations, and assembly points
Mark Primary Routes
Determine the shortest safe path from each area to the nearest exit
Add Secondary Routes
Identify alternate routes in case primary exits are blocked
Include ADA Routes
Mark wheelchair-accessible paths and areas of rescue assistance
Review & Approve
Have your safety officer or fire marshal review the completed map
Industry-Specific Map Requirements
Healthcare
- Include patient evacuation zones with bed capacity
- Mark locations of medical gas shutoffs
- Show areas of refuge for non-ambulatory patients
- Include medication storage rooms that need secured evacuation
- Mark oxygen storage areas as potential hazards
Manufacturing
- Clearly mark hazardous material storage zones
- Include machine lockout/tagout stations
- Show emergency shower and eyewash locations
- Mark chemical spill containment areas
- Include forklift and heavy equipment parking zones during evacuation
Retail
- Mark customer vs. employee-only exit routes
- Include checkout areas that may cause bottlenecks
- Show stockroom evacuation routes
- Mark loading dock exits (if accessible)
- Include fitting room evacuation procedures
Use consistent color coding across ALL your evacuation maps. The standard is: GREEN for safe zones and exit routes, RED for fire equipment and hazards, BLUE for medical/first aid, YELLOW for caution areas, and BLACK/GRAY for walls and structural elements. This consistency is critical - employees who work across multiple floors or locations will instinctively know what each color means during an emergency when there's no time to read legends.