Emergency Exits

Building codes require a certain number of exit routes in case of an emergency but often fail to take into account the specific needs of people impacted by blindness. It may take someone with blindness more time to locate an exit and get there unassisted. Emergency exits should be logically located (e.g., at the ends of corridors) along a simple path of travel. Use tactile, audible, colour and visual design features to attract attention to the location of the exit path.

Everyone should participate in regularly scheduled fire drills, particularly people impacted by blindness. These exercises provide an opportunity for everyone to become familiar with the location of emergency exits and the procedures to follow if there’s an emergency.

In this section:

• Interior Routes
• Exit Doors and Hardware
• Emergency Exit Signage
• Exterior Exit Routes