Evakuointireitin

Evakuointireitin refers to the planned path that people follow to evacuate a building or area during an emergency. The route starts in occupied spaces and leads to a safe exterior location or a protected assembly point. In safety planning, evakuointireitti is closely related to the concept of poistumistie, or escape route, and includes the physical path, signage, lighting and any barriers that guide occupants to safety.

A typical evacuation route consists of clear and unobstructed passages that connect rooms, corridors or stairwells to exits. It includes the necessary elements such as exit doors, emergency lighting, wayfinding signs, and, where needed, refuge areas. Routes are designed to avoid dead ends and to provide alternative paths if one route becomes inaccessible during an incident. Accessibility considerations are often included to aid people with mobility impairments.

Design and planning of evacuation routes involve assessing the building’s occupancy, layout, and hazards. The goal is to ensure that the combined routes can be used safely within the required evacuation time. Plans usually address route width, signage, lighting, fire doors, and drills that test how occupants use the routes under different conditions. Regular reviews and maintenance are essential to keep routes clear and up to date.

In Finland, requirements for evacuation routes are established by fire safety regulations and building standards. Authorities require clear marking, proper maintenance, and regular drills to ensure that evacuation routes function effectively in emergencies. The evakuointireitti concept is therefore an integral part of building safety and emergency preparedness.