A burglar bar, or sometimes referred to as security bars, keep your home protected from thieves. However, when installed without the proper quick-release mechanism, they are also highly capable of trapping victims inside their homes during fires and other emergency situations. These bars can make rescue efforts tedious and, more often than not, impossible. A fire in an Oakland home in 1995 trapped and killed five (5) inside the house because the bars could not be opened. With this said, not only it is of utmost importance to protect your house from thieves, it is also a must to make sure that the bars will not imprison you in your own home during a fire.
A window that has a burglar bar and fire is one deadly combination. Once trapped, it defeats the whole purpose of securing and keeping your lives safe from harm. So how will you know if they are unsafe or not? Here are some tips to keep in mind when securing your home with burglar bars:
- Do not install them outside your window
- Make sure they can be opened from the inside and not with a key
- If you need a PhD degree to open the bars – find something easier!
- Make sure they do not require a special tool or equipment to open the bars
- If you have small children or are small framed, make sure you can open it without problems
So you may be wondering exactly how it could benefit you and if the hassle is worth it to install a burglar bar. Well, the answer is a big YES! They are safe if they are installed correctly according to the list above. To free yourself and your family members from the risk of getting injured due to fire, you must install an approved and quick-release mechanism lock because they can be opened easily, even by children.
If your burglar bar is installed on the doors or windows of your bedrooms, make sure that they also have a quick-release lock device. This will allow family members to open them from the inside without having to look for a key, a special tool or special skills, knowledge and extra effort. These quick-release devices are subject to the approval of the building official. At the same time, a building permit is required. Together with your security device, an approved smoke detector must also be installed. If you’ve already installed burglar grills that are deemed unsafe, you can always modify them so that it will meet the safety guidelines. But the best thing to do is to replace them instead.
Other Tips
- Install smoke detectors (kitchen and bedrooms)
- Have a plan – By having a fire escape plan that you have already gone over with your entire family will help keep you safe if there is an immediate threat.
- Practice – Practice – Practice. Home fire drills will allow you to practice your fire escape plan as well as give you a chance to test out how easy your burglar bar is to open.