How to Make an Evacuation Map — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

The Complete Guide to Creating Evacuation Maps

An evacuation map can support workplace emergency planning by turning procedures and routes into a visual reference. When another OSHA standard requires an Emergency Action Plan, 29 CFR 1910.38 generally requires it to be written and available for employee review; employers with 10 or fewer employees may communicate it orally. OSHA does not prescribe one universal posted-map design, so this guide focuses on creating a clear draft that can be checked against your site, emergency procedures, and local requirements.

Step 1: Obtain or Create Your Floor Plan

The foundation of every evacuation map is an accurate floor plan. If you have architectural drawings, CAD files, or existing blueprints, those are ideal starting points. If you don't, you can create a basic floor plan by measuring your space and sketching the walls, doors, and windows on graph paper. Our free evacuation map maker accepts hand-drawn sketches — even a rough sketch on notebook paper works. The AI will interpret your layout and generate a professional map from it.

Step 2: Identify All Exits and Exit Routes

Walk through your building and identify exit doors, stairwells, and emergency exits. The number, arrangement, and travel-distance limits depend on factors such as occupancy, layout, and applicable code. Mark the intended route and an alternate where your emergency procedures provide one. See our fire evacuation map requirements page for additional review considerations.

Step 3: Locate Fire Safety Equipment

Document the position of every fire extinguisher, manual pull station, fire alarm control panel, AED, first aid kit, and emergency shower/eyewash station relevant to the area. Extinguisher travel-distance and alarm requirements vary by hazard and applicable standard. Treat generated placements as draft suggestions and verify every symbol against the equipment actually installed. Learn more in our OSHA evacuation map requirements guide.

Step 4: Add "YOU ARE HERE" Markers

Each posted copy of your evacuation map needs a "YOU ARE HERE" marker that accurately shows the viewer's position. The map must be oriented so the layout matches what the viewer sees when looking at the map. This means you may need multiple versions of the same floor plan map, each with the marker in a different location. Our generator handles this automatically when you specify where the map will be posted.

Step 5: Designate Assembly Points

Choose outdoor assembly areas where employees should gather after evacuating. Assembly points should be at least 50 feet from the building (farther for larger structures), on firm ground away from vehicle traffic, and large enough to accommodate all building occupants. Mark these clearly on every evacuation map. Visit our emergency action plan guide for assembly point best practices.

Step 6: Review, Print, and Post

Have your evacuation map reviewed by a fire safety professional or your local fire marshal. Once approved, print maps in a durable format (laminated or framed) and post at every required location: building entrances, hallways, elevator lobbies, break rooms, conference rooms, and inside occupied offices. Maps should be at eye level (48–60 inches from the floor). Check your state-specific requirements for any additional posting rules.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent evacuation map mistakes include: using outdated floor plans that don't reflect renovations, forgetting to include secondary exit routes, omitting ADA-accessible evacuation paths, posting maps at incorrect orientation (the layout doesn't match the viewer's perspective), not including fire safety equipment locations, and failing to update maps after changes. Our compliance quiz can help you identify gaps in your current evacuation plan. Using our evacuation map design tool eliminates most of these common errors automatically.