What does “egress” mean in the context of fire safety?

In the context of fire safety, "egress" specifically refers to the act of exiting or escaping from a building. This term is critical in fire safety regulations and codes because it encompasses the pathways and exits that allow occupants to safely leave a structure during an emergency, such as a fire. The design and accessibility of egress routes are fundamental to ensuring that people can evacuate quickly and safely, thereby reducing the risk of injury or fatalities in emergencies.

Effective egress systems include clearly marked exits, unobstructed pathways, and adequately illuminated exit signs. Ensuring that buildings have proper egress is essential for compliance with fire safety standards and helps firefighters perform their duties in assisting with evacuations during fire incidents. The other options do not relate to the concept of egress as they focus on entering, securing, or protecting a building rather than the critical aspect of safely exiting during fire emergencies.