SignWorks began working with the folks at the Cadillac Hotel more than two years ago and before the pandemic took its toll. The project which consisted of 160 in room evacuation maps and 25 floor evacuation maps began in October 2019 and the initial delays centered on obtaining building core drawings that would allow us to replicate the individual floors and create accurate layouts. When developing evacuation maps this is critical. We were able to complete the 160 in-room maps thanks to the assistance of our permit expeditor who was able to help our client with the logistics associated with the San Francisco Building Department, and the approval process required by the Fire Department. Both processes became incredible arduous and frustrating during the pandemic due to differing operating hours and office closures. We decided to delay the post until the entire project was finally complete.
The floor evacuation maps had gone through a rigorous approval process that included making paper copies for our client to submit to the fire department. These maps show the egress path and the location of things like fire extinguishers and pull stations. Once all the edits and corrections were made we began the process of fabricating the maps by creating a mirror image of the map detail using clear vinyl which we then mounted to the 14” by 19” non-glare acrylic lens with a white vinyl backer. The 25 floor maps were finally installed this week, while the room maps were delivered last July.
SignWorks has become expert at creating evacuation maps in Oakland, San Francisco and the surrounding areas because we have become intimately familiar with the guidelines for these cities. Fire Inspectors in both San Francisco and Oakland have lots of latitude when interpreting the guidelines and maps can be added to the project even where the elevator lobby and stairs were within 5 feet of each other.
Similar evacuation map projects included an SRO project in San Francisco that required nine 16” by 20” floor evacuation maps and 29 room/apartment evacuation maps and another for an upscale San Francisco hotel. We are currently working on maps for Phase 1 of the Alameda Storehouse Renovation and will begin fabrication very soon. We hope that when (or if) your building requires fire safety signs or evacuation maps that you will give us a call at (510) 357-2000. We can assist with the technical expertise and guidance you need in order to comply with local guidelines. Visit our website to view some of our fire safety and evacuation map project photos and blog posts.