Editing Emergency exit (section)

{{short description|Pathway out of a structure designed for use during emergency evacuations}}
{{For|the drama play|Emergency Exit}}
{{See also|Exit sign}}
{{more citations needed|date=March 2017}}
[[File:Emergency exit Stockholm metro.jpg|thumb|Emergency exit in [[Universitetet metro station]] in [[Stockholm]]]]
[[File:Way_out_exit.jpg|thumb|]]

An '''emergency exit''' in a building or other structure is a special exit used during emergencies such as [[Structure fire|fires]]. The combined use of regular and emergency exits allows for faster [[Emergency evacuation|evacuation]], and emergency exits provide alternative means of evacuation if regular exits are inaccessible.

Emergency exits must:
* Be clearly marked (usually with signage that is normally illuminated, or is illuminated by a backup power source if central power fails)
* Be in easily-accessible locations
* Direct people to safe areas (usually outside)
* Be regularly maintained and free of obstructions (they may not be used for storage)
* Be secured to prevent unauthorized entry during normal operations

An emergency exit's path usually ends in an outward-opening door with a [[crash bar]] with [[exit sign]]s pointing to it. It is usually a door to an area outside of the building, but may also lead to an adjoining, fire-isolated structure with clear exits of its own. 

A [[fire escape]] is a special kind of emergency exit consisting of stairs and/or extendable ladders mounted on the outside of a building.