Window Safety And Fire Escape
How will you get out if your primary exit is blocked by smoke or fire?
Is your house windows safe from child falls?
Window Fall Protection
Unfortunately I have been present shortly after a child fell out of a second story window. I was there within minutes of this event and do not wish that experience on anyone.
The sad part is this tragic occurrence happens more than you think and is avoidable. Fires and falls of all kinds are among
The leading causes of injury and death in young children. Some falls occur from windows.
Fire Escape
Window safety and fire escape plans are an integral part in fire escape situations. Next to doors windows are our next best way to escape a house in a fire or other emergency. Building codes have always specified window sizing and locations as a emergency means of egress.
According to building codes every bedroom must have a secondary means of escape in case fire or smoke blocks the primary exit. A window properly sized fits this requirement.
So here lies the dilemma. We want to have windows and screen components easily removable, without the use of tools or special knowledge in case of an emergency. At the same time we want to prevent children from falling out of them.
A balanced approach to fire escape and window safety is always the best practice and can help you keep your kids safe as well as keep you safe in a fire.
Here are some suggestions:
Window Safety and Fire Escape Plan:
Develop an emergency plan in the event of a fire.
Discuss with your kids how to get out of the house with and without you.
This is a real discussion about escaping through windows. Evaluate your home for the safest window to exit. Often times this is a window above a lower porch roof.
Also part of this discussion is the fact that speed in exiting can be crucial as well as the fact that they may injure themselves.
The best plan is one that you practice and train for. Research has shown that in times of stress or panic people often return to their training.
Some houses with second or third floors may need an escape ladder. I have a third floor bedroom in my house and I purchased a 25-foot escape ladder that hooks onto the window sill and interior wall.
Screens DO NOT prevent children from falling out a window.
Keeping windows closed and lock are a safe way to avoid falls. That may not be realistic in warmer weather. Try to open and use windows that are out of reach to small children.
Avoid placing furniture or anything that a child can climb up to the window height away from windows.
Window Guards
Window guards, bars or grills are an effective way to prevent falls but can also hamper an escape. Industry standards and codes require that these devices have a tool free release mechanism. Make sure you practice opening these guards ahead of time.
Make sure everyone understands how the release mechanism works. Time is critical when escaping a fire.
Avoid nailing your windows shut or installing non-removable pins
Never paint or nail windows shut. You must be able to open them to escape in an emergency.
Air Conditioners
Avoid placing an air conditioner in the safety or “best” window to exit.
The air conditioning unit could block or impede your escape through the window. Remember a room may have several windows but only one may provide a safer exit to the ground. Exiting through this window may lessen the degree of injury by having soft material, such as; bushes, wood chips or lawn, underneath it.
Make sure you keep at least one window per bedroom unobstructed for an escape.
Do Not Paint Windows shut.
Make sure your windows open and can be opened by all family members if needed.
