ADA Checklist for Emergency Shelters

D. Entering the Emergency Shelter

Building Entrance

A shelter must have at least one accessible entrance that is on an accessible route. An accessible entrance must provide at least one accessible door with maneuvering space, accessible hardware, and enough clear width to allow people who use crutches, a cane, walker, scooter, or wheelchair to use it.

If the accessible entrance is not the main entrance to the facility that is being used as a shelter, signs must be located at inaccessible entrances to direct evacuees and volunteers to the accessible entrance. The accessible entrance must be unlocked when other shelter entrances are unlocked.

 D1. Is there at least one accessible entrance connected to an accessible route? [ADA Standards § 4.1.3(1)]

   Yes

    No

Notes: If this entrance is not the main entrance, it needs to be kept unlocked when other shelter entrances are unlocked.

If there are inaccessible entrances serving the shelter, signs will be needed at inaccessible entrance(s) to direct evacuees to the nearest accessible entrance.

D2. Does at least one door or one side of a double leaf-door provide at least 32 inches clear passage width when the door is open 90 degrees? [ADA Standards § 4.13.5]

   Yes

    No

If No, does another entrance have an accessible door or can both doors be propped open during the evacuation? Other possible solutions are to enlarge the door opening, use a swing clear hinge, or, if a double-leaf door, replace with uneven width doors.

D3. Is the hardware (e.g., lever, pull, and panic bar) usable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist? [ADA Standards § 4.13.9]

   Yes

    No

If No, leave door propped open, add new accessible hardware, or adapt/replace hardware.

D4. On the latch, pull side of the door, is there at least 18 inches clearance provided if the door is not automatic or power-operated? [ADA Standards § 4.13.6, Fig. 25]

   Yes

    No

If No, leave the door propped open or find another accessible entrance.

D5. If there is a raised threshold, is it no higher than 3/4 inch at the door and beveled on both sides? [ADA Standards §§ 4.1.6(3)(d)(ii), 4.13.8]

   Yes

    No

If No, replace threshold with one with beveled sides or add a sloped insert.

D6. If an entry has a vestibule, is there a 30-inch by 48-inch clear floor space inside the vestibule where a wheelchair or scooter user can be outside the swing of a hinged door? [ADA Standards § 4.13.7]

   Yes

    No

If No, leave the inner door permanently open, remove inner door, or modify the vestibule.