FAQ
What are Evacuation Guidelines, and why do we need them?
Evacuation guidelines are detailed plans that outline procedures for safely evacuating a building during an emergency. These guidelines are crucial for ensuring the safety of residents and staff, and they are a requirement under the International and Local Fire Codes.
Excerpt from the International Building Code:
§1001.4 Fire safety and evacuation plans. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be provided for all occupancies and buildings where required by the International Fire Code. Such fire safety and evacuation plans shall comply with the applicable provisions of … the International Fire Code.
Evacuation guidelines help prepare occupants and emergency responders for various emergency situations, providing clear instructions on evacuation routes, assembly areas, and other critical information.
Why should we hire Evacuation Guide Solutions instead of creating our own guidelines?
Creating evacuation guidelines requires specialized knowledge of local fire codes, architectural considerations, and emergency procedures. Our team at Evacuation Guide Solutions has extensive experience and expertise in this area, ensuring that your guidelines are comprehensive, compliant, and tailored to your specific properties. This allows your property management team to focus on tenant relations and daily operations, knowing that your emergency plans are professionally handled.
Our company prides itself on a 100% approval rate from local authorities in the DMV area. We bring over 20 years of architectural experience, with a specialization in multifamily projects. Our commitment to life safety, code compliance, and accessibility ensures that your evacuation guidelines are not only compliant but also practical and user-friendly.
What is the process for developing evacuation guidelines with your company?
Our process begins with a consultation to understand your property’s unique needs and gather necessary information. We then create a draft of the evacuation guidelines, which includes detailed maps, procedures, and essential information. After your review and feedback, we finalize the guidelines and submit them to local authorities for approval. We ensure that the entire process is smooth and hassle-free for you.
Can you create evacuation guidelines for all my properties?
Yes, we can prepare customized evacuation guidelines for your entire property portfolio, regardless of the number of buildings. Each set of guidelines will be tailored to the specific property.
What information do you need from me to get started?
We will send you a survey/form to collect basic information about your buildings, such as floor plans. You’ll also have the option to upload supporting materials like photos, which will help us create accurate and detailed guidelines.
Can you incorporate our company's graphic standards (fonts, logos, etc.) into the evacuation guidelines?
Yes, we can incorporate your company’s standard fonts, logos, and graphic standards into the evacuation documents. This ensures that the final product aligns with your brand’s visual identity while meeting all safety and compliance standards.
How long does it take to complete the evacuation guidelines?
The typical timeline for creating and finalizing evacuation guidelines is 1-2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the property, the availability of required information, and if evacuation floor plans already exist. We also offer expedited services for an additional fee if you need the guidelines completed sooner. If evacuation floor plans for inclusion in the evacuation guidelines are needed, more time may be required.
If you are seeking evacuation guidelines for multiple properties, it will depend on how many buildings. We will provide an estimate based on your needs.
Once the guidelines are complete, what happens?
Once we finalize the evacuation guidelines, we handle the submission process by sending them to the appropriate local authorities for review and approval. This step ensures that the guidelines meet all necessary regulatory requirements.
It’s important to note that while we strive for a smooth and timely process, we have no control over the timeline for review and approval by local authorities, which can vary. In some jurisdictions, approved documents will be stamped and signed by the reviewing authority, providing official recognition of compliance. Our track record includes a 100% approval rate, demonstrating the quality and adherence of our work to local codes and standards.
Can you help with properties located outside the DC Metro area?
While our primary focus is on properties within the Washington DC Metro area, we can provide services for properties outside this region as well. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs and how we can assist you.
How much do your services cost?
We have base service fee for creating custom evacuation guidelines, with additional services such as generating evacuation floor plans. Please contact us for a consultation.