Evacuation plan questions, answered
Short, plain answers about what goes on an evacuation plan and who needs one, with the actual standard cited. Rules vary by country, state and council, so always check with your local fire authority.
The basics
What is an evacuation plan?
Two things go by this name. The written plan (OSHA calls it an emergency action plan) says how people are warned, how they get out, where they meet and how you check everyone is out. The evacuation map or diagram is the drawing posted on the wall that shows people where they are and the way out. Most buildings that need the first also post the second.
What must be on an evacuation map?
Codes differ, but a good map shows: a "You are here" marker; the escape routes from that spot to the nearest exits, plus a second route; exits and stairs; fire extinguishers and fire alarm call points (pull stations); the assembly point; a legend; the address and the emergency number. In the US, the International Fire Code (Section 404) lists floor plans showing exits, primary and secondary evacuation routes, accessible egress routes, areas of refuge, manual fire alarm boxes and portable fire extinguishers as part of a fire safety and evacuation plan. Internationally, ISO 23601 sets out how displayed escape plans should look.
What is the difference between an evacuation plan, a fire escape plan and an emergency action plan?
In everyday use they mean the same thing. Strictly, an emergency action plan is the written procedure required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38; a fire escape plan or evacuation map is the posted drawing; a fire safety and evacuation plan is the International Fire Code's term for both together.
Where should evacuation maps be posted?
Where people will see them when they need them: near stairs, lifts and main corridor junctions, by the main entrance, and in each bedroom of hotels, holiday lets and dormitories. Hang each map at eye level and turn it to match the way the reader faces, so left on the map is left in real life. Your local fire authority may say exactly where.
How often should an evacuation plan be updated?
Whenever the building, the exits, the equipment or the people responsible change. The International Fire Code (Section 404) asks for fire safety and evacuation plans to be reviewed or updated every year and whenever staff assignments, occupancy or the layout change. OSHA 1910.38(f) requires you to review the plan with employees when it changes.
Can I make my own evacuation plan?
Yes. Most small buildings make their own, and no code requires a professional to draw the map. For large, complex or high-risk buildings (hospitals, high-rises, factories with hazardous materials) have the written plan checked by a fire safety professional or your local fire authority. You can see free templates or start from your own floor plan, photo or sketch.
Is a hand-drawn evacuation map acceptable?
Usually no code bans one, but it must be accurate, legible and kept up to date. Many fire inspectors expect a clear, to-scale drawing with standard symbols, so a neat digital map is the safer choice. If in doubt, check with your local fire authority.
Who needs one
Does my Airbnb or holiday let need a fire escape plan?
Often, yes. Airbnb's host safety guidance recommends one, and many local short-term rental rules require a map by each bedroom door (for example Walton County, Florida). In the UK, government guidance for small paying-guest accommodation suggests a fire action notice and simple plan, often on the back of the bedroom door. Check your council's licensing rules. More in our Airbnb and holiday let guide.
Do hotels need evacuation maps in every room?
In the US, generally yes. NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) requires a floor diagram showing the actual floor arrangement, exit locations and room identification on or next to every hotel guest room door, and the International Fire Code requires a diagram of two evacuation routes on or next to the door of each hotel or motel sleeping unit. In the UK and Ireland, fire action information in bedrooms is standard practice and normally comes out of the fire risk assessment. See hotel evacuation plans.
Does a daycare or school need a posted evacuation plan?
Almost always. NFPA 101 has its own chapters for day-care and educational occupancies with emergency plans and regular evacuation drills, and the International Fire Code requires fire safety and evacuation plans for Group E (educational) buildings. State childcare licensing rules usually require a posted evacuation diagram in each room as well. See daycare and school plans.
Do offices and shops need an evacuation plan?
In the US, most employers need an emergency action plan under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 when another OSHA standard calls for one (for example when staff are told to evacuate rather than use extinguishers). The International Fire Code requires a fire safety and evacuation plan for business and mercantile buildings with 500 or more occupants, or more than 100 above or below the lowest level of exit discharge. In the UK and Ireland, every workplace needs emergency procedures. See office and shop plans.
Do care homes and nursing homes need evacuation plans?
Yes, and the rules are stricter because residents may need help to move. In the US, nursing homes certified by CMS must meet the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (2012 edition, 42 CFR 483.90) and CMS emergency preparedness rules (42 CFR 483.73). In Ireland, HIQA-regulated centres for older people must display the fire procedures prominently (Regulation 28, S.I. 415 of 2013). In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies. See care home plans.
Do apartment buildings and HMOs need evacuation plans?
Usually the shared parts do. In England, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require the responsible person in a building with two or more homes to give residents fire safety instructions, and high-rise residential buildings must also give the fire service floor plans. In the US, NFPA 101 requires emergency instructions to be given to apartment residents each year. See apartment and HMO plans.
I have 10 or fewer employees. Do I need a written plan?
Under OSHA 1910.38(b), an employer with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the emergency action plan orally instead of in writing. You still need a plan, and other rules (your state, your fire code, your insurer) may still ask for a posted map.
United States
What does OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 require?
An emergency action plan that covers at least: how to report a fire or emergency; evacuation procedures and exit route assignments; procedures for staff who stay to run critical operations; how to account for everyone after evacuating; procedures for staff doing rescue or medical duties; and the name or job title of who to contact. You also need an alarm system, people trained to help evacuate, and to review the plan with employees. It is the written plan; 1910.38 does not itself require a posted map. Full guide to 1910.38.
Does OSHA require an evacuation map to be posted?
Not in so many words. OSHA 1910.38 requires the plan; OSHA recommends floor diagrams with escape routes as a good way to share it, and OSHA 1910.37 requires exit routes to be marked with "Exit" signs. Posted maps are often required by your state or local fire code, the International Fire Code or NFPA 101, depending on the building.
What does NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) say about evacuation plans?
NFPA 101 requires emergency plans for many occupancies, including assembly, educational, day-care, health care, hotels and dormitories, and larger business buildings. It also sets the rules for exits, travel distance and exit signs that your map has to reflect. Which edition applies depends on what your state or city has adopted. NFPA 101 and evacuation plans.
What does the International Fire Code (IFC) require?
IFC Section 404 lists which buildings need a fire safety and evacuation plan (including assembly, educational, institutional, hotels, high-rises and larger business and retail buildings) and what goes in it, including floor plans of exits and evacuation routes. Most US states and cities adopt the IFC, sometimes with changes. IFC Section 404 guide and requirements by state.
Which symbols should a US evacuation map use?
NFPA 170 (Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols) is the US standard for symbols on fire safety diagrams and evacuation plans. Many plans also use ISO 7010 symbols, which are easier for international visitors. Pick one set and use it consistently with a legend. NFPA 170 symbols.
UK and Ireland
What does the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 require?
In England and Wales, the "responsible person" (usually the employer, owner or managing agent) must carry out a fire risk assessment, keep escape routes and exits clear, and have emergency procedures and staff training in place. Since the Building Safety Act 2022 changes, the whole fire risk assessment must be recorded in writing. The Order does not prescribe a particular map, but a fire action notice and an escape plan are a common way to meet it. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own laws.
What are the evacuation plan rules in Ireland?
Employers must prepare emergency plans and procedures under section 11 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, backed by a risk assessment and safety statement. Under section 18 of the Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended), the person in control of a premises must take all reasonable measures to guard against fire and to keep people safe if one breaks out. For specific requirements for your building, check with your local authority fire service.
Symbols and design
What is ISO 23601?
ISO 23601 (Safety identification: escape and evacuation plan signs) is the international standard for the design of displayed escape plans. It covers the "You are here" marker, orienting the plan to the viewer, showing escape routes, using ISO 7010 safety signs, the legend and other content so plans look the same from building to building.
What colours should an evacuation map use?
Under the ISO safety colour system (ISO 3864-1, used by ISO 7010 and ISO 23601), green means safe condition (escape routes, emergency exits, first aid, assembly points), red means fire equipment (extinguishers, alarm call points, hose reels), blue means a mandatory action and yellow a warning. US plans following NFPA 170 use similar conventions. Fire safety colour coding.
Which ISO 7010 symbols go on an escape plan?
The common ones are E001 and E002 (emergency exit), E007 (assembly point), E003 (first aid), E010 (AED defibrillator), F001 (fire extinguisher), F002 (fire hose reel) and F005 (fire alarm call point). ISO 7010 vs NFPA 170.
Why does a map need a "You are here" marker?
Because in an emergency people don't have time to work out where they are. A "You are here" marker, with the map turned to match the reader's view, is a core principle of ISO 23601. It also means each location needs its own copy of the map. How to add a You are here marker.
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This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Codes are adopted and amended locally; your local fire authority has the final say.