Proper emergency signage helps everyone in the building find a safe path to the nearest exit or shelter area. In some cases, zoning codes may require the signs be illuminated and have battery backup to ensure continuous operation during a power outage. Check with your fire department if you are unsure of local regulations.

Check to see if you are following these practices:

• Are fire doors inspected annually to ensure that they are in place and in good working condition?
• Are doors, passageways, or stairways that do not lead to an exit or shelter posted with signs reading “Not an Exit” or a similar message?
• Are the routes to shelters appropriately marked?
• Are exit signs self-luminous or illuminated at all times?
• Do exit and shelter signs use distinctive color schemes (e.g., neon green, yellow/black, or red/white) so as to be easily noticed by everyone including those with color blindness?
• Where exit signs are required, are their red or green letters at least 6 inches high?
• Are all exits clearly visible and the route to them indicated so the direction of escape can be judged from any point in the facility?
• Is the address of your property positioned so that it can clearly be seen from the street? Well marked buildings help First Responders find your facility quickly.
• Are address numbers in sharp contrast with their background? Numerals should be at least three inches in height for residential offices and at least six inches high for all other facilities.
• If you have a tornado or other type of emergency shelter, are there signs on the outside of your facility indicating this fact?
• Are external assembly areas well marked?
• Are there signs showing First Responders where to park and the way to building entrances?
• Are all exit doors equipped with a push bar requiring no more than five pounds of pressure to operate?
• If an exit door has a key lock, is it kept unlocked during business hours?
• Are emergency lights and exit sign circuit breakers properly labelled?
• Are gas mains marked to show the direction that shutoff valves should be turned and where to find any necessary tools?
• If you have emergency lighting, does it work? Emergency lighting provides occupants the light needed to see the exits in an emergency. The lighting should be checked monthly to ensure that it is working properly.