Both the Michigan Residential and the Michigan Building Codes require emergency escape and rescue openings in residential and I-1 use groups for buildings applicable to the bottom three stories and basement of buildings.

The development of the 2000 International Building and Residential Codes clarified those requirements by making lower level egress openings mandatory in basements with habitable space and in all sleeping rooms.

If a basement contains rooms or spaces meeting the requirements for habitability (noted in the Relevant Standards section of this module), an emergency escape and rescue window or exterior door is required. Conversely, a basement designated for and only containing storage, toilet and utility spaces would not require an emergency and rescue window or exterior door.

Emergency escape and rescue openings with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall be provided with a durable window well that will perform well over time. Well-designed escape windows allow for quick, easy opening; some models also offer additional security design features.

	To watch the video, your computer must have up-to-date video viewing software installed. If the video doesn't work, you need to download the FREE Windows Media Player by clicking HERE.