What is a horizontal exit?

A horizontal exit is defined as an exit that connects two buildings at the same floor level, facilitating safe movement between structures without requiring individuals to ascend or descend to a different level. This type of exit plays a crucial role in fire safety and evacuation plans, especially in large complexes, as it allows occupants to transfer from one building to another in the event of an emergency while remaining on the same elevation. It effectively enhances the safety and accessibility of egress routes by providing an alternative pathway that can be utilized during emergencies, reducing the dependency on vertical escapes like stairs or elevators.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately define a horizontal exit. A passageway leading to an area of refuge is more associated with providing a safe space during an emergency rather than a direct exit route. A route directly to an exit court may describe a means of getting outside or to a safe area, but does not emphasize the connection between buildings at the same level. Lastly, a pathway that leads outside vertically refers to exits like stairs or escalators, which do not align with the horizontal nature of the specified exit type.