Safety First
Life safety refers to the design, construction, and operational features of a building that protect and ensure the safe evacuation of occupants during fires and other emergencies. Unlike fire protection, which is focused specifically on fire prevention, life safety is a broader concept that accounts for all potential emergencies, from earthquakes and power failures to security threats.
Building codes and standards, most notably the NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, dictate the minimum requirements for achieving life safety. Compliance is often a legal requirement enforced by local authorities.