In an effort to protect their homes and families, some people install permanent iron bars on their windows and doors. But these burglar bars can make it difficult for people to exit during fires. "Each year, many fire deaths nationwide are directly related to burglar bars and secured windows," says James M. Foley, assistant chief inspector at the Atlantic City, N.J. fire department.
During one Detroit fire in 1993, seven children perished. Neighbors could only watch as the trapped children screamed for help. "Every time I see bars on dwellings I cringe," says Detroit Deputy Fire Chief Gordon Giganic. "In the name of security, people are making death traps out of their homes."
Learn Not to Burn Foundation Executive Director Sharon Gamache explains that "fire deaths in general are going down, but fire deaths relating to burglar bars are going up." Gamache adds that between 1980 and 1985, there were an average of four deaths related to non-removeable burglar bars annually. For the five year period 1985-1991, the number of deaths associated with bars jumped to an average of nearly 16 per year.
Electronic security
systems are viewed by many fire professionals as a preferred method of protection
from crime and vandalism. Foley explains that it's important that people don't
block their avenues of escape in their homes. "We would much rather see
security systems than non-removeable burglar bars," he says.