Why do most businesses have doors that open to the outside, while residences and apartments have doors opening to the inside?

Question

Why do most businesses have doors that open to the outside, while residences and apartments have doors opening to the inside?

In: 1

Answer 1

In the US at least I believe this is by law – public buildings must have doors that open out so that they will not be inadvertently “barricaded” by a rush of people trying to exit.

In decades past there were a number of incidents with panicking mobs fleeing fires or some other mob action that crushed people against inward-opening doors.

Homes go with the opposite so that the hinges are inside the home, safe from weathering and more secure.