What is the recommended minimum number of exit routes in a building?

The recommended minimum number of exit routes in a building is two. This guideline is rooted in fire safety and building codes, which prioritize the safety of occupants in the event of an emergency. When a building has at least two exit routes, it provides a backup in case one exit is blocked or becomes inaccessible due to smoke, fire, or other hazards. This redundancy is critical in promoting overall safety and ensuring that occupants can evacuate quickly and efficiently.

Moreover, having multiple exit routes also helps to accommodate different layouts and occupancy levels in a building, allowing for a more manageable evacuation process. In commercial and high-occupancy buildings, the design typically considers the potential number of occupants and the nature of potential emergencies, reinforcing the necessity for at least two means of egress to avoid bottlenecks and increase the safety of all individuals within the structure.