Though many of us practice fire drills in the workplace, most deaths and injuries from fire each year are the result of home fires. When it comes to a fire emergency, the Window Safety Task Force in partnership with the National Safety Council reminds everyone that doors and windows are the primary and secondary escape routes.
How prepared are you to escape safely in a fire?
"In the event of fire or other emergencies, you may have little time to escape safely," said Tammy Franks, National Safety Council Home and Community Program Manager. "It is essential to develop and test an escape plan at least twice a year with everyone in your home, including individuals with special needs and pets."
Consider these seven safety tips
1. Create a home fire escape plan that includes two exits from every room in your home, through a door and a window.
2. Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at night, as many home fires occur at night.
3. Keep windows closed and locked when not in use for ventilation. Practice opening and closing windows that may be designated as emergency exits.
4. Attempt to open a window first, rather than break the glass, if you must exit through it in an emergency.
5. Open the window to escape or choose another exit route, if your home features windows with impact-resistant glass, like that used in some hurricane-prone areas.
6. Check with local code officials when remodeling your home to understand emergency escape and rescue (egress) building code requirements. Egress windows are those designated by code as large enough for you to escape through or for rescue workers to enter in emergency situations.
7. Consult your local building code official to determine proper placement of window guards or fall prevention devices, if you equip windows in your home with these. Look for devices that comply with ASTM F2090.
Visit http://www.nsc.org/windowsafetytaskforce, as well as the window safety sections of the AAMA and WDMA websites to learn more. Follow the Window Safety Task Force on Twitter and Facebook for more tips and updates on this important safety issue.
About the Window Safety Task Force
The Window Safety Task Force was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety. The task force is comprised of members representing the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and the Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) in cooperation with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and other organizations, as well as manufacturers of windows, doors and screens. The National Safety Council saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes, communities and on the roads, through leadership, research, education and advocacy.