Area of Refuge: What You Need to Know for Compliance

Fire Safety Consultants January 18, 2021 June 21, 2021

Area of Refuge Compliance An area of refuge, or area of rescue, is a concept established to provide a safe means of egress for handicapped persons that may not be able to exit a building safely on their own. This is addressed and required under the International Building Code (IBC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Areas of Refuge are required on any building with multiple floors, on every floor which is either above or below the ground floor.

IBC, NFPA and ADA Requirements for Areas of Refuge

Under the most recent IBC 2018 code requirements, an Area of Refuge is required in all new construction and in buildings which underwent significant remodels or had a change of building use. These requirements now apply to all buildings whether or not a sprinkler system is in place.

The Areas of Refuge must provide a smoke and fire protected area where people who are unable to use the stairs can call for help to await evacuation assistance from first responders. These areas must provide direct access to an exit stairway and may be located near stairway enclosures or landings with minimum exit width to accommodate a wheelchair.

Requirements of an Area of Refuge include:

Identification with a sign that includes the term “AREA OF REFUGE” with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA)
Location on every floor above or below the ground floor and clearly marked
Two-way communication system to a central control point within the building
Central control point must be staffed 24 hours per day to receive communications or directed to a location that is staffed 24 hours per day
Communication systems must provide hands-free, two-way communication with visible and audible signals to indicate communication has occurred
Communication systems must signal the location to the receiver

Jeron Life Safety Communication Solutions for Area of Refuge

Jeron Electronic Systems, Inc. has been a leader in designing quality life safety products and nurse call stations since 1965. Jeron is based near Chicago, IL, with a commitment to designing and manufacturing high-quality products which are “Made in the USA”. For over 50 years, Jeron continually develops new solutions as technology advances.

Jeron’s life safety communications include the Pro Alert 480, a two-way communication solution for Area of Rescue assistance. Jeron helps you meet fire code requirements and keeps your occupants safe with a robust two-way communication system that fulfills all ADA, IBC and NFPA requirements. The Pro-Alert 480 provides off-site calling through the facility’s PBX and comes with simplified wiring for easier installation and maintenance.

HRSS Provides Area of Rescue Solutions and Compliance

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire, life and safety system company with vast expertise in all code regulations including ADA, IBC and NFPA as well as all city of Chicago code requirements. We offer solutions to building owners, managers and contractors with high-quality, life safety equipment, system design, maintenance and monitoring. HRSS responds quickly to our customers’ needs with a full staff of factory trained field technicians and NICET certified staff.

HRSS offers experienced fire and life safety system solutions to commercial buildings of any size. We are committed to saving lives with fire and life safety systems that meet all code regulations and go above and beyond to maximize safety in your unique structure. Contact us to learn more about our dedicated service and quality products, including the Jeron two-way communication solution for Area of Refuge requirements.

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Reasonable Bids and High Quality Work

Every time High Rise Security Systems provides a bid it is reasonable and the work is high quality. Every person on the High Rise team is great to work with, in fact, they always make us feel like we are the only customer. The first time we worked with High Rise was during a crisis over the holidays. Everything was ordered, scheduled and fixed during the emergency time frame. They continue to serve as a trusted supplier for our Hospitality Management Group.

- Cindy H, Smashotels, VP of Operations

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:27:09+00:00

Every time High Rise Security Systems provides a bid it is reasonable and the work is high quality. Every person on the High Rise team is great to work with, in fact, they always make us feel like we are the only customer. The first time we worked with High Rise was during a crisis over the holidays. Everything was ordered, scheduled and fixed during the emergency time frame. They continue to serve as a trusted supplier for our Hospitality Management Group. - Cindy H, Smashotels, VP of Operations

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/reasonable-bids-high-quality-work/

Always Responsive & Fair Pricing

I've known Arnold at High Rise for 10-15 years. He and his team are always responsive and provide fair pricing. I am in charge of purchasing for 4 buyers and 350-400 field people and consequently rely on trusted subcontractors such as High Rise Security Systems. Arnold is not only a good guy and enjoyable to work with, he is a high quality minority certified supplier which is important to our company. We look forward to continuing to work with HRSS.

Dan P., Continental Electrical Construction Company

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:42:47+00:00

I've known Arnold at High Rise for 10-15 years. He and his team are always responsive and provide fair pricing. I am in charge of purchasing for 4 buyers and 350-400 field people and consequently rely on trusted subcontractors such as High Rise Security Systems. Arnold is not only a good guy and enjoyable to work with, he is a high quality minority certified supplier which is important to our company. We look forward to continuing to work with HRSS. Dan P., Continental Electrical Construction Company

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/always-responsive-fair-pricing/

Trusted Notifier Partner

I've worked with High Rise Security Systems for many years. They are a trusted Notifier partner that pays close attention to detail. Being in the trades for over 25 years and using many different companies, I'd definitely recommend Arnold's team at High Rise Security for all your fire and security or Life Safety system needs.

Steve M. at Peak Electric, Inc.

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:45:20+00:00

I've worked with High Rise Security Systems for many years. They are a trusted Notifier partner that pays close attention to detail. Being in the trades for over 25 years and using many different companies, I'd definitely recommend Arnold's team at High Rise Security for all your fire and security or Life Safety system needs. Steve M. at Peak Electric, Inc.

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/trusted-notifier-partner/

Thanks for making this project a success

On behalf of Executive Construction Inc. we would like to thank you and your team for all of their efforts in making the Zurich North America Headquarters project at 1229 Zurich Way a huge success. Zurich had their final move in last weekend and are now 100% occupied. You had a great crew out here with Chris S. as your lead technician. He did a great with all aspects of the fire alarm system. He was a great help with getting our occupancy with the village and was always available to help solves problems and answer questions. We at ECI believe it takes a team to accomplish success and we appreciate, respect and include your team in the success of this project.

Thanks again and we are all looking forward in doing more work in High Rise.

Lee R. ECI Senior Superintendent

Karl S. ECI Senior Superintendent

Nick U. ECI Superintendent

Dan E. ECI Senior Superintendent

High Rise Security Systems

2016-11-11T14:06:54+00:00

On behalf of Executive Construction Inc. we would like to thank you and your team for all of their efforts in making the Zurich North America Headquarters project at 1229 Zurich Way a huge success. Zurich had their final move in last weekend and are now 100% occupied. You had a great crew out here with Chris S. as your lead technician. He did a great with all aspects of the fire alarm system. He was a great help with getting our occupancy with the village and was always available to help solves problems and answer questions. We at ECI believe it takes a team to accomplish success and we appreciate, respect and include your team in the success of this project. Thanks again and we are all looking forward in doing more work in High Rise. Lee R. ECI Senior Superintendent Karl S. ECI Senior Superintendent Nick U. ECI Superintendent Dan E. ECI Senior Superintendent

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/thanks-making-project-success/

You guys did an outstanding job!

The Addison project you were a sub of my sub GIM, but it was the first time I have worked with High Rise. I was very pleased with the support from both your office staff and field staff.

You guys did an outstanding job! Upon internal closeout I’ll be sure to reiterate that to our estimating. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Dave R
Senior Project Manager

High Rise Security Systems

2017-01-09T14:53:11+00:00

The Addison project you were a sub of my sub GIM, but it was the first time I have worked with High Rise. I was very pleased with the support from both your office staff and field staff. You guys did an outstanding job! Upon internal closeout I’ll be sure to reiterate that to our estimating. I look forward to working with you in the future. Dave R Senior Project Manager

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/guys-outstanding-job/

Battaglia Industries

Thank you for sending your team out today, everything went excellent. It is a “night & day” difference working with your team compared to some of our other subs.

-Sean R., Project Manager at Battaglia Industries

High Rise Security Systems

2020-09-28T12:28:31+00:00

Thank you for sending your team out today, everything went excellent. It is a “night & day” difference working with your team compared to some of our other subs. -Sean R., Project Manager at Battaglia Industries

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/battaglia-industries/

High Rise Security Systems