How does the number of exits affect safety in a building?

The number of exits in a building is crucial for ensuring adequate egress, which refers to the safe and timely evacuation of occupants in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. Having multiple exits allows people to access safe routes out of the building quickly, reducing the risk of injuries or fatalities during an emergency. Building codes typically dictate the minimum number of exits required based on various factors, including occupancy load, building size, and layout.

By providing sufficient exit routes, buildings can accommodate varying populations and their movement during an emergency situation, facilitating a faster flow of people out of potentially dangerous areas and minimizing congestion at exits. This design consideration is central to fire safety practices and ensures that all occupants can evacuate the building efficiently.

The other choices do not accurately represent the primary relationship between the number of exits and safety in a building. For instance, while more exits may lead to increased construction costs, the primary focus in fire safety is on occupant safety and effective egress.