A fire exit provides a means of escape from a structure in case of an emergency such as a fire. It is usually a strategically located (e.g. In a stairwell, hallway, or other likely place) outward opening door with a crash bar on it and with exit signs leading to it. The name is an obvious reference to when they're frequently used, however a fire exit can also be a main doorway in or out. A fire escape is a special kind of fire exit, mounted to the outside of a building.

Knowing where the fire exits are in buildings you frequent can save your life. Some buildings, such as schools, have fire drills to practice usings fire exits. Many disasters could have been prevented if people had known where fire escapes were, and if fire exits had not been blocked. For example, in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, some of the fire exits inside the building were inaccessible, while others were locked.

It many countries, it is required that all new commercial buildings include well-marked fire exits. Older buildings must be retrofitted with fire escapes. In countries where fire exits are not standard, fires will often result in a much greater loss of life.

Well designed fire exit signs are necessary for fire exits to be effective. In the United States fire escape signs usually display the word "EXIT" in large, red, well-lit letters. Sometimes an arrow is displayed as well. In the European Union, fire exit signs use pictoral symbols to convey their meaning.

External link

• Information on fire exit signs in Britain