What must be ensured about the escape slide before its use in an evacuation?

The correct answer emphasizes the necessity of ensuring that the escape slide is properly inflated before its use in an evacuation. Proper inflation is critical because it directly affects the slide's functionality and safety during an emergency egress. An inflated slide provides a safe and stable means for passengers and crew to exit the aircraft quickly and efficiently, which is vital in a time-sensitive evacuation scenario where minimizing risk and ensuring swift movement is essential.

If the slide were not adequately inflated, it could collapse or malfunction, leading to potential injuries or hindrances during the evacuation process. Emergency procedures typically emphasize checks for the proper state of all safety equipment, including escape slides, to ensure they operate as intended.

The other options may relate to aspects of safety and visibility, but they do not directly address the operational readiness and immediate safety risk posed by a slide that isn't properly inflated.