Are Your Windows a Fire Hazard? 7 Window Fire Safety Tips
Sep 28, 2022Keep Your Family SAfe with 7 window fire safety Dos and Don’ts.
Your windows can help you survive a dangerous situation – don’t let them become a home fire hazard.
Backyard firepits, cozy candles, and a toasty fire in the fireplace are all welcome ways to warm up and enjoy the seasons. But under the wrong conditions, a controlled flame could become an out-of-control home fire hazard.
To coincide with the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Safety Awareness Month, Improveit wants to help spread the word about home fire safety.
the importance of window fire safety
Believe it or not, your windows play an important role in home fire safety. A window could be your only lifeline in the event of a house fire – but can become a fire hazard of their own if families don’t take certain precautions.
With that in mind, here are seven dos and don’ts when it comes to windows and fire safety. Use these important guidelines, like adding safety ladders for windows, to help keep yourself and your family safe in a scary situation.
4 ways to practice good window fire safety
DO:
- Incorporate windows into your fire safety plan. House fires are unpredictable, so the NFPA recommends that every room have two ways out in case one becomes blocked by smoke, fire, or debris. This is usually a door and a window, so plan accordingly for every room in the house, including bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Regularly check all windows for proper operation. Windows do no good in your fire safety plan if they won’t open in an emergency. If windows or their locks stick, don’t open easily, are painted or fastened shut, or are otherwise inoperable, they are a home fire hazard: replace them immediately. Learn more about window safety locks and stops here.
- Equip second-story rooms with a safety ladders for windows. Fold-away fire safety ladders for windows are easy to find online and at some home improvement stores. This window fire safety solution makes escaping through your windows easier and safer. The NFPA and smoke detector manufacturer Kidde recommend storing a window fire ladder in every occupied room above the main level.
- Practice fire safety drills regularly, including window evacuation. Discussing a fire evacuation plan with your family and writing it down are great first steps, but practicing that plan is essential to keep everyone calm in an emergency. The NFPA offers extensive escape planning advice and tools.
3 don'ts to remember for window fire safety
DON’T
- Attach holiday lights or other seasonal decorations to windows or window frames. Whether on the interior or exterior of the window, fasteners like nails, staples, glue, and tape can all impede the windows operation, making them unreliable in a fire.
- Decorate windows with anything that could keep the window from opening quickly. Garlands, string lights, greenery, and even fake snow can keep window hardware from working correctly. Window fire safety means locks and sashes should be able to move freely with nothing in the way.
- Break window glass in case of a fire. Broken glass can put family members and rescuers in further danger if they need to move through the window. Make sure your windows are in good working order so you never have to resort to breaking the glass.
Why Windows Become a Home Fire Hazard in the Winter
Window fire hazards can happen any time of year, but are especially prevalent in the winter. Holiday decorations and plastic window insulation used to block drafts are two common home fire hazard culprits. Both can create obstacles that make it difficult to use your windows to escape a house fire if needed.
In addition to taking care with where you place twinkle lights, garlands, and other holiday decor, be sure to consider the issues that plastic window sheeting indicate about your windows. If you’re using this as a way to keep your home from getting too cold, it may be time to think about upgrading to windows that keep your home comfortable and are easy to operate in an emergency. Start here to learn how Performax54 Windows fill this need.
Don't Let Your Windows Become a Home Fire Hazard
If you’re worried that your windows won’t open easily in an emergency, give ImproveIt a call today. Part of our mission statement is to improve our customers’ lives, and that means putting your family’s safety above all else.
Our Performax54 windows feature strong vinyl frames, easy-to-operate hardware, and sashes designed to slide smoothly every time. And if you every run into an issue, Improveit’s lifetime warranty means we’ll come out and fix the problem at no cost to you. Your safety is important to us!
Let us help you outfit your home with windows that maximize the safety, security, and comfort of your home.
Schedule Your Window Fire Safety Appointment Today
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