> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.lacunalabs.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.lacunalabs.io/the-lacuna-wallet/emergency-exit.md). # Emergency Exit Emergency Exit is a safety mechanism that lets users withdraw funds from the shielded pool if normal operations are ever disrupted. ## Why It Exists Privacy systems rely on supporting infrastructure (such as relayers). Emergency Exit ensures that even in a degraded state, your funds remain recoverable directly from the on-chain contract. ## How It Works The `EmergencyExit` contract provides a withdrawal path governed by a timelock. It's a backstop, not an everyday flow — for normal use, [Unshield](/the-lacuna-wallet/shield-unshield-transfer.md) is the right path. > The current emergency-exit controls and their timelock parameters are covered under [Security & Audits](/security-and-compliance/security-and-audits.md). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://whitepaper.lacunalabs.io/the-lacuna-wallet/emergency-exit.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.