Emergency escape routing system

A smart sign for indicating a direction of an emergency escape route, e.g. a fire exit, comprises a first area 216 having a pictogram and a fixed arrow indicating a default escape direction, means for receiving a signal indicating the default escape direction is not suitable, means 212 for providing a pattern across the first area when the default escape direction is not suitable and a second area 204 which indicates an alternative escape route. The first area is uniformly lit e.g. by an edge light 208 and a light guide plate 210. The pattern comprises LEDs forming a red cross over the pictogram and fixed arrow, which is illuminated when the default escape direction is inaccessible. An escape system comprises one of more of the aforementioned signs, one or more sensors and a controller communicating with the sensors and the signs. The controller determines for each sign whether a default escape route is not suitable based on data from the sensors and sends a signal to the sign.