Many business owners in Los Angeles focus on alarm systems and surveillance but often forget about the simplest part of safety: a clear, working emergency exit. From fire hazards to power outages and earthquakes, having a reliable way out can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to build a foolproof emergency exit plan that keeps people safe, meets safety codes, and gives you peace of mind.
Simple Steps to Build a Safe and Compliant Emergency Exit Plan
A well-planned emergency exit strategy isn’t hard to create, but it needs to be thorough and easy to follow. Here are five key focus areas to help your staff and clients leave the building in a fast and organized way when needed.
1. Know What Makes an Emergency Exit Truly Ready
Not every door counts as an emergency exit. To qualify, the door must be easy to open without special tools, clearly marked, and accessible at all times. These are more than guidelines—Los Angeles fire codes require them.
A proper emergency exit door should:
- Open with one quick motion (usually a panic bar)
- Be visible and labeled with a lit exit sign
- Stay unlocked during business hours
- Swing in the direction people would exit
If a piece of furniture blocks your exit or is difficult to open, it’s not compliant—or safe. A quick walkthrough of your space can reveal problems that are easy to fix but dangerous to ignore.
If you’re unsure whether your exits meet requirements, an inspection by a commercial locksmith can help you make quick adjustments.
2. Keep Emergency Exit Routes Clear and Easy to Navigate
You’ve probably seen it—boxes stacked near the back door, chairs blocking a hallway, or equipment in the corner by the exit. These things may seem small, but during an emergency, they can cause big delays.
Your emergency exit route should always be:
- Free of clutter
- Wide enough for quick movement
- Easy to follow, even in low-lighting
Employees and visitors shouldn’t have to guess which way to go. Regular walkthroughs—especially during seasonal inventory shifts or renovations—help ensure nothing blocks the path to safety.
For LA businesses, where storefront space is often limited, it’s tempting to store items wherever there is room. But exit paths are not for storage, and fire marshals take this seriously. So, while the door is important—so is everything leading up to it. Now, let’s talk about what keeps that door working right.
3. Maintain Emergency Exit Doors and Hardware
Your emergency exit may look fine from the outside—but does it open smoothly? Does the panic bar work? Are the hinges secure? Small mechanical issues can turn into major hazards if ignored.
Keep your emergency door in shape by checking:
- Panic bars for smooth, one-motion release
- Hinges and latches for signs of wear
- Door alignment to ensure it swings freely
- Rust, swelling, or damage that affects the door’s operation
If the door is hard to push or doesn’t shut properly, it might not function when you need it most. In older buildings around LA, moisture, age, and frequent use can cause these doors to sag or stick.
Commercial locksmiths ensure the safe and quick replacement of any worn or broken parts. Even better, they can recommend upgrades that make compliance easier and exits more secure.
Let’s move to another crucial piece of the puzzle: signage.
4. Make Sure Exit Signs Are Clear and Always Visible
Imagine a visitor trying to leave in a rush—can they find your emergency exit in seconds? Poor lighting, hidden doors, or faded signs can cause confusion when there’s no time to waste.
Exit signs should be:
- Illuminated at all times
- Easy to see from across the room
- Backed up by emergency power (in case of outages)
- Positioned above each designated exit
In larger spaces or multi-level buildings, directional signs pointing toward the nearest exit can also help. These signages are especially helpful in retail stores, restaurants, and office complexes in high-traffic parts of Los Angeles.
Check your signs during daylight and evening hours. Replace flickering lights and clean dusty covers, too. If your signs look outdated or hard to read, it’s time to upgrade. Once your signs are in place, your staff needs to know exactly what to do.
5. Train Your Team and Practice the Escape Plan
You’ve got the right door, a clear path, and a working panic bar—but does your team know how to use it?
Of course, no emergency exit strategy is complete without training. Hence, everyone in your business should know:
- Where the exits are
- How to open them
- What route to take if the nearest exit is blocked
- Where to gather once they are outside
It is also a good practice to hold quick safety drills at least twice a year. Walk through the building as a team and test each emergency exit during a calm, scheduled time. You’ll spot areas that need fixing and build confidence in your process. Note that drills don’t have to be long or complex. A few minutes of practice can save lives when seconds count.
Locksmith Los Angeles Helps Businesses Stay Safe and Exit Ready
At Kardo Locksmith, we help Los Angeles business owners protect their customers, employees, and property—starting with smarter, safer emergency exits.
Whether you run a retail store on Melrose, a café near Echo Park, or a small office in Koreatown, our team can inspect your exits, repair faulty hardware, and guide you toward full compliance.
We’ll help you:
- Test and maintain building safety with lock and panic bar repair
- Replace worn or outdated door parts
- Upgrade locks while keeping exits safe and accessible
- Review exit signage and safety lighting
Your emergency exit is more than just a door—it’s a lifeline when every second counts. Don’t wait for something to go wrong. Let Kardo Locksmith make sure your exits are ready when it matters most.
24-Hour Locksmith Near Me
A stuck panic bar? A door that won’t close properly? These common issues could cost lives in an emergency. Kardo Locksmith is here to help. Our emergency locksmith experts provide fast, reliable door maintenance for Los Angeles businesses. We ensure your emergency exits are safe, easy to use, and up to code.
At Kardo Locksmith, we will help you create a clear, simple plan that keeps your building safe and gives you peace of mind. Don’t take chances with safety. Call us at (323) 999-2036 or visit our website for a free estimate and book your emergency exit safety check today.
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