Area of Refuge

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that an Area of Refuge (also known as an Area of Rescue) system be included in all newly constructed multi-story buildings and public accommodations, as well as in existing multi-story facilities undergoing significant renovations.

Since elevators are often unsafe in evacuation situations, an Area of Refuge serves as a designated meeting point—a safer area on the other side of a firewall within a building where disabled persons, or anyone unable to evacuate, can gather and await assistance or rescue. These areas are generally prescribed by various local and state codes and are usually enforced by the fire marshal.

Alarm Detection Systems, Inc. designs, installs, and tests rescue assistance buttons for Areas of Refuge. When pushed, ADS’ monitoring station is instantly notified, as are supervisory personnel inside the building, and an evacuation plan is immediately activated for that building.