What are emergency keys characterized by?

Emergency keys are characterized by being color-coded and notched, which allows for quick identification and use in urgent situations. This design feature is crucial for emergency responders and staff to easily locate and operate the keys when immediate access to certain areas is necessary, such as during fire emergencies or other urgent scenarios. The color-coding helps distinguish emergency keys from regular keys, reducing confusion and saving valuable time when speed is essential.

In contrast, emergency keys are not typically made of heavy metal or standardized for all doors, as the specific design requirements vary depending on the facility and the nature of the emergency. Also, the notion that they are only used during fire drills is misleading since emergency keys are primarily intended for real emergency situations, rather than practices or exercises.