How can security bars on my windows be dangerous during a fire?

How can security bars on my windows be dangerous during a fire?

Stacy Gerlich (Fire Captain & Paramedic) gives expert video advice on: What are common household fire hazards?; How can I prevent household electrical fires?; How can I prevent household fireplace fires? and more...

Security bars on windows, again, are usually put on so that people cant get into the house. You see them in areas where there is potentially a higher rate of crime. But, we lose anywhere from 2,500 to 3,000 people a year because of these fire safety bars, or safety bars in general. That's because people don't remember, or even have an idea that there needs to be a safety release from the inside in order for you to get out of that building should it be on fire. Remember, if you cant get out, we cant get it and it's a pretty helpless situation. If you've purchased a home that had security bars on the windows, that were already installed, you need to make sure that you can open that bar from the inside in case of a fire.