Ineffective signage can be fatal in emergencies

Evactools explain why Evacuation Maps should provide clear, concise information that the occupant may not have previously been aware of and offer the best possible route for evacuation.

For class leading 3D Evacuation maps and other evacuation solutions please visit Evactools website.

The aim of any evacuation map is to aid the safe egress from a building to an area of safe shelter.

Correctly oriented, user-centred maps remove many of the barriers and aid successful evacuations.

Evacuation Maps should provide clear, concise information that the occupant may not have previously been aware of, providing options, suggestions and the opportunity to decide on the best possible route for evacuation.

Our 3D, egocentric or 'birds-eye' overview allows the user to view the building from various vantage points, aiding the interpretation of the map, allowing people to quickly locate emergency equipment and exits in direct relation to their location and direction of travel.

This 3D overview provides a more dynamic image that facilitates faster, easier to recognise and more intelligibly perceptible and useful information than the standard "flat" 2 dimensional floor plan.

The information portrayed is of even more importance within large and complex environments.

How to make your evacuation wayfinding work:.

* The simpler the map the more accessible it becomes.

* Correct use of 'You are here' markers improves recognition of the users location and best route to safety.

* Evacuation maps should be place in common areas to aid occupant's familiarity.

* Additional evacuation signs should be placed at each emergency exit to aid navigation to alternate exits.

* Evacuation Maps should be oriented to ensure decisions on quickest route to safety are correct.

* Identify the building, floor and/or room number on the evacuation map.

* Ensure that information on the map is reliable and regularly maintained.

* Map placement should be at a level that is accessible by persons in a wheel chair;.

* Consider including a map of the assembly areas as an addition to the evacuation map.

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