9 Essential Fire Safety Signs Every Church Must Have

Fires in churches and religious facilities are more common than most realize. From 2020 to 2022, an estimated average of 1,300 fires were reported annually in US places of worship, resulting in an average of $74.6 million in property loss each year. While you can’t prevent every emergency, you can prepare your church to respond effectively. One of the most affordable and impactful ways to improve your church safety plan is through proper fire safety signage.

In this guide, we’ll cover the 9 must-have fire safety signs that every church, worship center, or religious school needs to protect people, meet local fire code requirements, and support your church safety plan.

A lightning-caused gas line fire at First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, Maryland, in July 2025, that damaged the fellowship hall, sanctuary, and structural beams, serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of fire.

Table of Contents

1. ADA-Compliant Fire Exit Signs (Tactile and Braille)
2. Photoluminescent Exit Signs (Highly Recommended)
3. Fire Evacuation Maps
4. Area of Refuge Signs
5. Fire Extinguisher Signs
6. Fire Alarm Control Panel Signs
7. “In Case of Fire” Elevator Signs
8. Fire Hose Station Signs
9. Emergency Egress Route Signs (Tactile and Braille)

1. ADA-Compliant Fire Exit Signs (Tactile and Braille)

• What: These are ADA-compliant fire exit signs with raised characters and braille placed next to exit doors.
• Why: ADA standards require fire exit signs to ensure accessibility for visually impaired congregants and visitors.
• Where: You’ll find these next to each exit door, including stairwell exits and other emergency egress points.
• Code Requirement: Fire exit signage must have proper contrast, raised characters, and braille per ADA guidelines.

2. Photoluminescent Exit Signs (Highly Recommended)

• What: Photoluminescent exit signs are glow-in-the-dark signs that absorb ambient light and then glow brightly during a power outage.
• Why: When fires knock out power, these signs guide both congregants and firefighters through smoke-filled conditions. They’re a great choice for any church, regardless of size or height. Since they don’t require any wiring, you can also reduce installation costs.
• Where: Place photoluminescent exit signs in areas where a power outage could be a concern, especially along primary evacuation routes.
• Dual Purpose: Help occupants evacuate while providing critical navigation information to emergency responders.
• Code Requirement: Photoluminescent signs are compliant with NFPA standards, like the Life Safety Code®, which many states incorporate into their fire codes.

3. Fire Evacuation Maps

• What: Fire evacuation maps show the building layout with primary and secondary exit routes, assembly points, and the location of fire safety equipment.
• Why: These maps are vital for both regular attendees and visitors who are unfamiliar with your building, helping them navigate to safety quickly.
• Where: Place them in high-traffic areas, near all entrances and exits, and in large assembly spaces like the sanctuary and fellowship hall.
• Code Requirement: Many local fire codes and NFPA standards require evacuation maps to be present and up to date. The maps must include a “You Are Here” indicator, primary and secondary evacuation routes, and outdoor assembly areas.

4. Area of Refuge Signs

• What: Area of refuge signs designate safe waiting areas for individuals with mobility challenges who cannot use stairs during an evacuation.
• Why: They are vital for providing a temporary haven until first responders can assist with their safe egress, especially in multi-story buildings.
• Where: These signs should be placed in stairwell landings and enclosed corridors with fire-rated construction.
• Code Requirement: NFPA mandates area of refuge signs to ensure accessibility and life safety for all occupants. Refuge areas must include instructions for requesting assistance and two-way communication devices.

5. Fire Extinguisher Signs

• What: Fire extinguisher signs clearly identify the location of portable fire suppression equipment.
• Why: It’s important to remember that cooking equipment causes 33% of all church fires. Quick access to fire suppression equipment during a small fire can prevent a major disaster.
• Where: Place these signs directly above every wall-mounted fire extinguisher near kitchens, fellowship halls, mechanical rooms, and other potential fire hazards.
• Code Requirement: NFPA 101 and other local fire codes require fire extinguishers to be visible from 75 feet away.

6. Fire Alarm Control Panel Signs

• What: Identifies the location of the fire alarm control panel.
• Why: This sign is necessary for first responders and trained staff to quickly identify the central control system during an emergency.
• Where: You’ll find these signs on or near the fire alarm control panel.
• Code Requirement: Fire codes often require the location of the fire alarm control panel to be clearly marked for easy access. If the panel isn’t immediately visible from the entrance, the sign must include simple directional arrows.

7. “In Case of Fire” Elevator Signs

• What: “In Case of Fire” elevator signs provide concise instructions on what to do during a fire, specifically reminding people not to use elevators.
• Why: This signage reinforces proper emergency procedures and prevents people from getting trapped in an elevator during a fire.
• Where: Place these signs next to church elevator doors and elevator call buttons.
• Code Requirement: Many fire codes require signs instructing occupants to use stairs during a fire.
• Standard Message: “In case of fire, elevators are out of service. Use exit stairs.”

8. Fire Hose Station Signs

• What: Fire hose signs identify the location of a fire hose station (standpipe and host connections).
• Why: For buildings with fire suppression systems, these signs help trained personnel quickly find the necessary equipment to combat a fire.
• Where: Place them on or above the fire hose station.
• Code Requirement: If a church has a fire hose station, fire codes require it to be clearly marked. Additionally, staff and volunteers should be trained on proper use as part of church safety training.

9. Emergency Egress Route Signs (Tactile and Braille)

• What: Egress route signs are tactile directional or wayfinding signs with braille that guide occupants along a continuous, unobstructed path from any point in the building to a public way.
• Why: These signs ensure a continuous and accessible path to an exit, which is critical for a swift and safe evacuation for all congregants.
• Where: Place them along corridors and at key decision points on the path to an exit.
• Code Requirement: NFPA 101 mandates continuous, unobstructed egress routes and often requires signage to support them.

Building Your Church Fire Safety Plan: Beyond Signs

Proper fire preparedness requires more than signage. We recommend:

• Monthly Visual Inspections: Periodically walk through your church with a signage audit checklist to ensure all signs are present, visible, compliant, and in good condition. Look for obstructions, damage, or outdated information.
• Church Safety Training: The church safety team and key volunteers should be trained on the location and meaning of all fire safety signs, emergency procedures, and how to assist during an evacuation.
• Regular Fire Drills Procedures: Conduct fire drill procedures to practice evacuation routes and identify bottlenecks or where additional signage may help.
• Maintenance Logs: Keep detailed records of signage inspections, maintenance, and any fire drills conducted. This documentation is vital for compliance and liability. The USFA also emphasizes the importance of routine inspections of electrical cords and heating equipment for fire safety in churches.

Are Churches Exempt from Fire Codes? (Common Misconception)

The answer is no—churches are not exempt from life safety and fire codes. While some federal laws, like ADA, may exempt religious organizations, churches must comply with local and state fire codes, which often adopt NFPA standards like the Life Safety Code.

Churches, typically classified as assembly occupancies, must meet requirements including:

• Exit signage and lighting
• Emergency egress routes
• Fire alarm and suppression systems (as required)
• Regular inspections by local fire authorities

While ADA signage requirements may not apply universally to churches, following ADA best practices is a wise choice to support inclusion and accessibility.

Need Help with Your Church’s Fire Safety Signage?

Don’t wait for an inspection or an emergency to discover signage deficiencies! Investing in proper fire safety signage is an investment in the safety and longevity of your church and its community. Intersign specializes in high-quality, code-compliant fire safety signage tailored for religious facilities and schools.

Contact us today to discuss your needs and ensure your congregation stays safe and prepared.

Church Fire Safety Signs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)