SECURITY BAR SAFETY

People are afraid of crime near their homes. To feel safe, many people
install security bars on their doors and windows. Some security bars,
also called burglar bars, can trap you in a fire.
They can also keep firefighters from getting in to rescue you.

Tips for Home Escape
⚫Have working smoke alarms in each bedroom. You also need
one outside each sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of
the home. Mount alarms in the basement.
⚪Test all smoke alarms once a month. Press the test button to be
sure the alarms are working.
⚫Draw a map of your home. Show all doors and windows. Find at
least two ways out of every room.
⚪Choose an outside meeting place. It should be a safe distance
from the home. It should be visible from the street.
⚫Talk about the plan with everyone in your home. Have a fire drill
in your home twice a year.
⚪Make sure all exits can be opened easily from the inside. This
includes barred doors and windows.
⚫Choose security bars that have quick-release devices.
Make sure everyone in the home can open them.
Make sure security
bars have quick-
release devices:
Quick-release security bars
In some areas, laws have been passed about security bars. In many
places, codes and laws require the security bars have a quick-
release device.
It's always good that all ways out must
be opened easily from inside. Tools, keys, or special effort should
not be needed to escape.

◾Ask your fire department or housing official about the laws in
your area.
◽Ask community leaders to get funds to update the security bars.
This will help more people have quick-release bars.
◾Ask the fire department for a presentation on security bars and
home escape.