Post Plans Where People Need Them
An evacuation plan should be posted in clearly visible, accessible locations throughout a commercial building, especially where occupants, visitors and staff can review it before or during an emergency. The goal is to make escape routes, exits and assembly information easy to find without requiring people to enter a hazardous area or search for instructions.
In most workplaces, place evacuation diagrams at main entrances, reception areas, elevator lobbies, common corridors, employee break rooms, lunchrooms and other high-traffic areas. Each floor or distinct area of the building should have a plan that reflects its specific layout. In larger facilities, post additional copies near stairwells, exit access routes and areas where people gather, such as meeting rooms, warehouses or production spaces.
- Near entrances and common areas: These locations help employees and visitors become familiar with the plan during normal operations.
- On every occupied floor: A single plan at the main entrance is not enough for a multi-storey or large commercial property.
- In locations visible to occupants: Mount plans at a practical viewing height and keep them unobstructed by furniture, doors, equipment or notices.
- Near work areas with unique hazards: Kitchens, mechanical rooms, industrial areas and storage spaces may require route information suited to that area’s risks and exits.
- At tenant and shared-building areas: Property managers should ensure common areas are covered, while individual businesses should post plans inside their own leased spaces as needed.
A useful evacuation plan should identify the “You Are Here” location, primary and alternate exits, stairwells, manual fire alarm pull stations where applicable, fire extinguisher locations and the designated outdoor assembly point. It should also include simple instructions to leave by the nearest safe exit, avoid elevators during a fire emergency and report to the assembly area for accountability.
Posting is only one part of preparedness. Review the plan with employees during orientation and fire drills, keep routes clear and update diagrams whenever renovations, occupancy changes, new equipment or changes to exits affect the building layout. The building’s fire safety plan and applicable Alberta requirements may set additional expectations based on the property type, occupancy and local authority having jurisdiction.
Advanced Fire Protection helps Edmonton and Alberta commercial properties maintain dependable life safety systems. Our certified technicians can support system inspections and maintenance for fire alarm and suppression systems, emergency lighting and other fire protection services that help your team stay prepared. Schedule Your Inspection to discuss your facility’s fire and life safety needs.
