Area of Refuge (AOR)
Provide a reliable system for those requiring evacuation assistance to safely call and wait for help
During Emergencies, Safety and Accessibility Are of The Utmost Importance
Take your building safety to the next level.
What is an Area of Refuge?
Why Areas of Refuge Are Important
Regulatory Compliance
AORs are addressed in multiple ways in building codes and life safety codes, including the NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®.
Life Safety Assurance
Emergency Responder Support
Key Features of an Area of Refuge
Safety
Constructed with fire-resistant materials.
Communication Systems
Equipped with two-way communication devices that connect directly to emergency personnel so occupants can call for help. Directions for using the system and written location identification must be displayed prominently nearby.
Accessibility
Fully compliant with ADA requirements to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges and the NFPA’s Life Safety Code “accessible means of egress” requirements, including minimum headroom heights, levelness of walking surfaces, and reliability of the means of egress.
Ventilation
Designed to maintain air quality for occupants while they wait for help.
Signage
Marked with illuminated signs to ensure easy identification in emergencies.
Who Needs an Area of Refuge
Areas of Refuge are commonly required in new construction or major renovations for the following types of buildings:
- High-rise residential or commercial buildings
- Warehouses and manufacturers
- Hospitals, medical offices, and senior living facilities
- Schools and educational institutions
- Government buildings
Designing an Area of Refuge
Working with experts who understand regulatory compliance and practical functionality is crucial when planning an AOR. Some of the key considerations include:
- Location: Positioned near stairwells or exits for ease of rescue.
- Communication: Provides reliable two-way communication systems that connect to emergency responders.
- Separation and Protection: For some buildings, AORs must be separated from the remainder of the story by fire barriers with a minimum of 1-hour fire resistance. Additional specifications require barriers and openings to minimize smoke passages and air leakage, as well as self-closing or automatically closing doors.
- Capacity: Designed to accommodate your building’s occupancy capacity requirements, including square feet requirements per occupant, detailed by fire codes and building codes.
- Wheelchair Spaces: An AOR must have a ratio of one wheelchair space to every 200 occupants it serves, and this space must measure 30 x 48 inches.
Contact Us
An Area of Refuge is more than just a safety feature for newly constructed, multi-story commercial buildings — it’s a required part of inclusive design and emergency preparedness. Incorporating AORs into your building plans ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility, has a safe and accessible place to go during emergencies.
Ready to design your building’s Area of Refuge system or have compliance questions? Contact Prestige Alarm™ today to ensure your building is fully compliant with building codes and life safety codes.
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