How to Create an Evacuation Map: Complete Guide 2026
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Understanding Evacuation Map Requirements
Creating an evacuation map isn't just about drawing arrows on a floor plan—it's about saving lives. OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.38 requires every employer with more than 10 employees to have a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP), and evacuation maps are a critical component of this plan. In 2026, with updated enforcement priorities and increased penalties, compliance has never been more important.
- OSHA requires evacuation maps for all workplaces with 10+ employees
- Maps must show primary AND secondary evacuation routes
- Fire safety equipment locations must be clearly marked
- Assembly points must be identified outside the building
- "You Are Here" markers are required for each posting location
- Maps must be updated when building layouts change
Step 1: Gather Building Information
Before creating your evacuation map, you need accurate information about your building. This doesn't require expensive blueprints—even a rough sketch will work with modern AI tools. The key is capturing the essential elements that affect evacuation routes.
- Floor plan or building layout (blueprints, photos, or hand-drawn)
- All exit door locations including emergency exits
- Fire extinguisher, pull station, and hose cabinet locations
- Stairwell and elevator locations
- Hazardous material storage areas
- Designated assembly point locations (minimum 50 feet from building)
- ADA-accessible routes and areas of refuge
Step 2: Identify Primary and Secondary Routes
Every area in your building must have at least two evacuation routes. The primary route should be the shortest, most direct path to an exit. The secondary route provides an alternative if the primary is blocked by fire, smoke, or structural damage.
- Primary routes: Calculate the shortest path to the nearest exit
- Secondary routes: Identify alternative paths that avoid the primary route
- Consider smoke travel patterns when planning routes
- Avoid routes through kitchens, mechanical rooms, or hazard areas
- Ensure routes are wide enough for the expected occupant load
- Mark stairwells clearly—elevators must NOT be used during fires
- Identify ADA-compliant routes for wheelchair users
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Step 3: Mark Fire Safety Equipment
Your evacuation map must clearly show all fire safety equipment locations. During an emergency, employees need to quickly locate extinguishers (if safe to use), pull stations, and other safety equipment.
- Fire extinguishers with type labels (A, B, C, ABC)
- Fire alarm pull stations
- Fire hose cabinets and standpipes
- Emergency lighting locations
- First aid kit stations
- AED (Automated External Defibrillator) locations
- Emergency eyewash and shower stations
- Sprinkler control valves
Step 4: Create Clear Symbology and Legend
Your evacuation map must use universally understood symbols. NFPA 170 provides standard fire safety symbols that are recognized across industries and by fire departments.
- Use standard NFPA 170 symbols for consistency
- Include a legend explaining ALL symbols used
- Keep symbology simple and clearly visible
- Use contrasting colors for visibility
- Ensure symbols are large enough to read from 4-6 feet
- Label rooms and areas for orientation
Step 5: Add Required Information
Beyond routes and equipment, several information elements are required on every evacuation map to ensure compliance and effectiveness during emergencies.
- "You Are Here" marker specific to each posting location
- North arrow for orientation
- Building address and floor number
- Date of last update
- Emergency contact numbers (911, fire dept, building security)
- Assembly point location with address or description
- Floor plan title and room numbers
The Fast Way: AI-Powered Map Generation
In 2026, you don't need to spend weeks creating evacuation maps or pay consultants $800-$2,500 per map. AI-powered tools can analyze your floor plan—even a hand-drawn sketch—and generate a professional, OSHA-compliant evacuation map in under 2 minutes.
- Upload any format: photos, PDFs, CAD files, or sketches
- AI identifies walls, doors, and room layouts automatically
- Optimal exit routes calculated using advanced pathfinding
- All OSHA-required elements added automatically
- Print-ready output in multiple sizes
- Unlimited revisions until you're satisfied
Key Takeaways & FAQs
What is required on an evacuation map?
An OSHA-compliant evacuation map must include: primary and secondary exit routes clearly marked with arrows, fire extinguisher and pull station locations, "You Are Here" markers, assembly point locations, emergency contact numbers, a legend explaining all symbols, and ADA-accessible routes where applicable.
How often should evacuation maps be updated?
Evacuation maps should be updated whenever there are changes to the building layout, exit locations, or fire safety equipment. At minimum, review maps annually. OSHA requires that emergency action plans be reviewed with employees when changes occur.
Can I create an evacuation map myself?
Yes, you can legally create your own evacuation map. However, it must meet all OSHA requirements to pass inspection. AI-powered tools like our generator ensure compliance by automatically including all required elements.
What size should an evacuation map be?
Standard sizes are 8.5x11 inches for office posting, 11x17 for hallway display, and 24x36 for large open areas. The map should be clearly readable from 4-6 feet away. OSHA requires maps to be "posted in the workplace" but does not specify exact dimensions.
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29 CFR 1910.38