Egress or “means of egress” is defined as a continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way.
Building codes usually require at least one emergency escape exit and rescue entry way besides the doorway for any bedroom and also for inhabited basements.
If a window is used as the “means of egress” then the building code has certain requirements that the window must meet such as the ability to be opened without tools by people on the inside and minimum opening area to allow people to escape out or rescuers to enter in through the window.
Smarter egress rated new construction windows and replacement windows meet “The National Building Code” or BOCA requirements for egress which are used in most building codes; however, the local building code should be consulted to determine what rooms require egress windows as well as required egress openings, window placement, hardware etc as building codes can vary from community to community.
