1.
emergency staircase; fire escape
A staircase designated for use during emergencies such as fires or earthquakes. Typically found on the exterior or in enclosed stairwells of buildings.
非常階段から避難する。
To evacuate via the emergency staircase.
非常階段の場所を確認しておく。
To check where the emergency staircase is located in advance.
火災発生時はエレベーターを使わず非常階段で降りてください。
In case of fire, please use the emergency staircase instead of the elevator.
Composed of 非常 (emergency) + 階段 (staircase). In Japan, building codes (建築基準法) require 非常階段 in buildings above a certain size. Common collocations: 非常階段で避難する (to evacuate via the emergency stairs), 非常階段の位置 (location of the emergency stairs). Part of the 非常〜 (emergency ~) compound family: 非常口 (emergency exit), 非常ベル (emergency bell), 非常食 (emergency food).