Security bars pose a safety hazard in Miami Florida
These bars are on the bedroom window. There is no way to open them. The current code is Dade County states that at least one window in each bedroom should be able to be opened without any special knowledge or special tools. If there were a fire in this home, the people inside would not be able to get out and the fire department would not be able to get in. This is a death trap. For about $150.00 this can be changed so the bars will open and lives can be saved.
Posted by Bill Siegel Florida Home Inspection Team Inc
Window security bars
Many homes in South Florida have security bars on their windows. It seems that every year we read about a fire where someone has become trapped inside the home, especially the bedrooms, and cannot get out of the house due to these bars. Not only can they not get out, but the fire department cannot get in.
Every bedroom is required to have a door or window that open to the exterior that is approved for emergency escape or rescue. These exits must be operable from the inside to a full clear view opening without the use of a key, tool, or special knowledge.
This means that the door must have a thumb latch on the inside. It cannot require a key to open the door. Any security bars must be able to be opened easily from the inside. If a child (or other person) cannot open the door or security bars quickly and easily, they could become trapped and die.
Most of the older homes that have security bars can easily be altered to open easily for about $200.00 per window.
As a Home inspector in South Floirda, it is our job to point out safety hazards in a home.
Posted by Bill Siegel Florida Home Inspection Team Inc