What does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require in multistory buildings?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that multistory buildings must have areas of refuge to ensure the safety of disabled individuals during emergencies. These areas provide a safe space where individuals who cannot use stairs during an evacuation can wait for assistance, typically near exit stairs. The design must allow for easy identification and access, ensuring that people with mobility impairments have a designated safe location until rescue is possible.

While other aspects like emergency exits and signage are important for overall safety, the specific requirement of safe areas of refuge directly addresses the needs of persons with disabilities in emergency situations, underscoring the ADA’s commitment to inclusivity and safety in public spaces.