ABSTRACT
Patron safety and security is a critical element of parking garage design and management. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including fire prevention and safety, electrical safety, life safety, and emergency planning. Parking garage designers and operators should ensure that the systems within the facility are up to date and running properly to ensure the safety of those who park there. Further, all parking facilities, and those managing day-to-day operations, should develop and implement a proactive emergency management plan. Possible issues include extreme weather incidents, crime, terrorist threats, and fires. An emergency management plan will outline the various hazards possible within the facility, and the actions and responses that should be taken if and when they arise. It should also include who will have access to the facility and the responsibilities and actions that they will take during emergencies.
