The fire department recommends a means of identifying the occupancies of persons in need of assistance in the event of emergency. Common recommendations include the use of a list of such occupancies contained within the fire alarm panel box, identifying marking on occupancy doors and establishment of “rescue teams” comprised of other occupants who are willing to assist.

Refuge areas in stairwell, which are large open areas or landings, are to be kept clear at all times. These areas are for persons in ambulatory assist devices who require rescue by fire department personnel. The stairwell area is designed to provide some level of protection from fire and smoke above the general structures capabilities. No storage of bikes, shopping carts or other items is permitted in refuge areas.

Hearing or visually impaired persons should expect that specialized alerting devises, such as strobe lights, will operate in accordance with BC Fire Code regulations and that they are maintained in the same manner as all other emergency devices.