Which option correctly describes a Horizontal Exit in relation to area of refuge?

• A. A way of passage from one building to an area of refuge in another building on approximately the same level.
• B. A means of access from outside to inside the building.
• C. The portion of egress between an exit and a public way.
• D. A door hardware assembly.

Answer: (A)

A horizontal exit provides a protected cross-building passage that lets occupants move from one building (or section) to an area of refuge located in another building on roughly the same floor level. The key idea is that you’re crossing laterally within or between fire-protected spaces to reach a designated refuge area, rather than going upstairs, downstairs, or outside. This design allows people who cannot safely remain in the original fire area to reach a safe refuge on the same level without traversing to the exterior or to a different vertical story. The purpose is to maintain a safe, protected path to an area of refuge, not to serve as an entry, an exterior egress to a public way, or a door hardware component.