Building Code Glossary
Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009 define emergency escape and rescue opening, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Emergency escape and rescue opening is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Means of Egress. The code's own words are: “An operable window, door or other similar device that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency.” The IRC 2009, IFC 2009 define the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 7 chapters of this corpus, most often in Means of Egress (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IFC 2009), Building Planning (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening — IBC 2009, Means of Egress:
An operable window, door or other similar device that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Three of the I-Codes in this corpus define Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Means of Egress | An operable window, door or other similar device that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | An operable exterior window, door or similar device that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency. |
| IFC 2009 | Means of Egress | An operable window, door or other similar device that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event ofan emergency. |
Where emergency escape and rescue opening is used in the code
The term appears in 7 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 16 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 15 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 15 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about emergency escape and rescue opening, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Basements and sleeping rooms below the fourth story above grade plane shall have at least one exterior emergency escape and rescue opening in accordance with this section.
Basements and sleeping rooms below the fourth storyabove grade plane shall have at least one exterior emergency escape and rescue opening in accordance with this section.
Basements, habitable attics and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening.
The terms emergency escape and rescue opening is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what emergency escape and rescue opening covers:
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Means of Egress | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Means of Egress | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Device | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Device: Building Code Definition
- Public Way: Building Code Definition
- Stairway: Building Code Definition
- Guard: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of emergency escape and rescue opening?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Means of Egress as: “An operable window, door or other similar device that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on emergency escape and rescue opening?
In this corpus the term is used across 7 chapters, led by Means of Egress in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is an emergency escape and rescue opening?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Means of Egress: “An operable window, door or other similar device that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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