fire-escape
A fire-escape provides a safe exit from the upper floors of an apartment building.
Noun: A "fire-escape" is a special staircase or ladder attached to the outside of a building, designed to provide a safe exit route in the event of a fire or other emergency.
- (A metal staircase on the building's exterior used for emergency evacuation.)
- (A required safety feature for multi-story buildings.)
- (A platform or ladder accessible from windows.)
"to take the fire-escape": to use the exterior staircase as a means of leaving a building.
- During the drill, everyone was instructed to take the fire-escape instead of the elevator. (To use the emergency exit route.)
"fire-escape ladder": a specific type of portable or fixed ladder used for fire evacuation.
- He installed a fire-escape ladder in his bedroom for extra safety. (A retractable or fixed ladder for emergency use.)
Fire escape (also written as two words): the same meaning; a structure for emergency exit.
- The old building had a rusty fire escape that needed repair. (The exterior staircase.)
Fire-escape plan (n): a predetermined route or strategy for using the fire-escape in an emergency.
- We practiced our fire-escape plan with the children. (A safety procedure.)
- Emergency exit: a designated way out of a building during a crisis.
- Escape route: a path used to leave a dangerous area.
- Evacuation staircase: a stairway specifically for evacuating people.
"up the fire-escape": used figuratively to describe a difficult or hidden way to reach a goal.
- He got the job by climbing up the fire-escape of networking. (Using an unconventional or indirect method.)
"fire-escape romance": a cliché in fiction where lovers meet secretly on a fire-escape.
- The movie featured a classic fire-escape romance scene. (A romantic encounter on an exterior staircase.)