Window bars are a type of security system some homeowners use to protect their homes from intruders. They are typically metal bars which are fixed onto the exterior walls surrounding a window, usually on the lower floors or basement windows. In this way, it lessens an intruders ability to enter a home. While they may be very effective in the prevention of anyone entering through a window, how safe are they for the homes occupants? Could they actually become a safety concern?
One of the biggest safety concerns for occupants in a home is being able to escape easily in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. Windows are usually the quickest means to exit the home in such an emergency. If the home is fitted with window bars, this could block vital exit points and make it harder for firefighters to access a fire due to them also losing vital entry points.
But, what if you find that window bars are a necessary security measure for your home? How can you make sure they do not become a hazard? Make sure window bars are fitted with an easy to use quick release mechanism. This would enable the occupant of the home to release the bars from the inside. There are some important factors to keep in mind, though, with this type of mechanism. It should be so easy to use that children and the elderly can operate it. It should not need special tools to release the bars and if it requires a key, this should not be kept in another room that is hard to reach. Remember, in a fire, even a strong adult can quickly become disoriented and start to panic.
To review, then, while window bars can be a very good way to prevent intruders from entering a home, they can also act to prevent someone exiting the building in an emergency. Always make sure they come with an easy to use, quick release mechanism.
One of the biggest safety concerns for occupants in a home is being able to escape easily in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. Windows are usually the quickest means to exit the home in such an emergency. If the home is fitted with window bars, this could block vital exit points and make it harder for firefighters to access a fire due to them also losing vital entry points.
But, what if you find that window bars are a necessary security measure for your home? How can you make sure they do not become a hazard? Make sure window bars are fitted with an easy to use quick release mechanism. This would enable the occupant of the home to release the bars from the inside. There are some important factors to keep in mind, though, with this type of mechanism. It should be so easy to use that children and the elderly can operate it. It should not need special tools to release the bars and if it requires a key, this should not be kept in another room that is hard to reach. Remember, in a fire, even a strong adult can quickly become disoriented and start to panic.
To review, then, while window bars can be a very good way to prevent intruders from entering a home, they can also act to prevent someone exiting the building in an emergency. Always make sure they come with an easy to use, quick release mechanism.
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