Fire exit

From ArticleWorld


Fire exits are safety provisions designed to allow occupants of buildings to escape crises, which may be of the form of terrorist or arson attacks, or fires arising out of human negligence. Fabricated for easy evacuation of stranded people, they consist of an unbolting-door apparatus, and brightly displayed signs marked on them to be easily noticeable.

Depending on local regulations, the number of such facilities, and the space allocated for them may vary. For instance, a large structure necessitates the installation of a minimum of two fire exits. Also, they should be quickly noticed by the occupants of an affected building to reduce panic in the event of an emergency, be it a terrorist attack or a fire.

A great number of fatalities are caused by emergencies such as fires. Very often, it is due to the lack of knowledge of the location of fire escapes that people remain trapped in raging fires. There should be clear indications of how to steer oneself to safety during such crises, both at important locations inside a building, as well as on the fire exit apparatus itself. Such measures would make the fire exit perfectly viable and an important safety asset.

Though it is always a good practice to observe precaution and prevent disaster, it is also necessary to be prepared for any eventuality when it comes to protection of life; thus making it incumbent on builders and fire safety engineers to follow both local and national norms. Many countries have seen increasing awareness about the need for feasible norms relating to fire exit installations. Older buildings are being fitted by such apparatus at strategic points, while newer ones compulsorily have well-designed fire escapes put up, with clear marking signs to make them visible even in bad lighting or dark conditions. “Escape drills” in hospitals, schools, commercial complexes or the like can stop people from spreading horror when it is least called for.