An "area of rescue" is an area that has direct access to an exit, where people who are unable to use stairs may remain temporarily in safety to await further instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation. The enclosed stairwell landings in all buildings meet the criteria for a safe area of rescue. Stairwell doors are fire rated to keep smoke and heat from entering when the doors are securely shut. There will be sufficient air even if the ventilation system in the building is shut down.

As soon as the Dayton Fire Department arrives on the scene, locating individuals waiting in an area of rescue will be their priority. The Fire Department has specific training in safe evacuation of people with disabilities.

The following buildings and floors use the stairwells as areas of rescue:

Buildings 1-7, and 10-12 second floors

Buildings 2 and 4 lower levels

Building 13 basement and fourth floors

Building 14 basement and third floors

Several areas, such as the Fieldhouse and the second floor of building 10, exit onto exterior stairway landings, which can also be used as areas of rescue.

In the unlikely event that two connecting buildings are involved in a fire evacuation and horizontal exits cannot be used, the stairwell landings would be the safe alternative.