Architects need to know their clients’ plans for emergency egress for people with and without disabilities. Clients may opt to add ‘safe wait areas’ or additional interior or exterior areas of rescue assistance. A very useful emergency egress guide – Planning for Safety – is available, free, from the Canadian government. It is intended to help building managers and occupants who may need assistance in an emergency develop their own emergency egress plans.
KMA has developed accessible egress plans for educational, commercial, and transportation facilities nationwide. If you need assistance reviewing your own emergency egress plan for people with disabilities in your office or your client’s facilities, contact Katherine McGuinness.