Definition

Noun: A fire escape is a specialized stairway, often located on the exterior of a building, designed to provide a safe exit route for occupants in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Usage

The term "fire escape" is used to refer to the physical emergency exit structure itself. It is a countable noun. - All residential buildings over three stories must have a fire escape. - The old apartment's fire escape was made of wrought iron. - Tenants should know the location of the fire escape.

Examples

• The firefighters checked the fire escape to ensure it was clear and functional.
• During the drill, we practiced evacuating down the fire escape.
• He climbed out the window onto the rusty fire escape.

Advanced Usage

• "To use the fire escape": This phrase describes the action of evacuating via this structure.
  • When the alarm sounded, they had to use the fire escape because the main stairs were blocked.
• The concept can be part of safety regulations or building descriptions.
  • The building code requires a fire escape for every floor above the ground level.

Variants and Related Words

• Emergency exit: A broader term for any designated exit used during emergencies, which can include doors, stairwells, and fire escapes.
• Egress stairway: A more formal or technical term for a stairway designed for exit.

Synonyms

• Emergency staircase
• Fire stair

Notes

• A "fire escape" is specifically an exit route for people. It is distinct from equipment like "fire extinguishers" (used to fight fires) or "fire alarms" (used to warn of fires).
• While traditionally an external metal staircase, modern "fire escapes" can also refer to interior, fire-rated stairwells designed for the same purpose.

Noun

1. a stairway (often on the outside of a building) that permits exit in the case of fire or other emergency