Death by - Security !

We live in an increasingly dangerous and violent world and many householders spend big to turn their homes into a virtual version of Fort Knox.  The security industry promotes a range of shutters that roll down to protect doors and windows and there are cheaper options that put bars across windows to prevent entry.

This quest for " security " sometimes blurs the difference between  preventing thieves from " getting in " and the need for the residents to " get out " in an emergency.

Sadly, a frail 65 year old retiree died in a house fire and his 62 year old wife suffered horrific burns when their security shutters trapped them from escaping. The interior of the house filled with smoke and the heat generated was described by fire crews as rising to " the level in an oven ".

There is a lesson to be learned from this tragedy.  Not only do we need smoke alarms to give warning of fire danger, we need to  have a clear and ready plan to get clear of the house - and be able to access this in total darkness if the electricity has failed.

Most people have installed " deadlocks " on their doors, but these locks should always have a key in place when residents are at home - and specially at night.  During the panic caused by a fire, time is precious and that is not when residents need to be trying to find the correct key to escape.

Selection of shutters needs deep thought.  Many shutter companies offer " fail safe " options to allow a fast escape in an emergency.  Economy models that lack this provision are an unacceptable option.   A " cheap deal " is a bad deal if it puts the life of the family at risk.

Perhaps the most important  "safety check " that any family can implement is to gather all the residents of the house and carefully plan how they will exit the building if an emergency arises - and it happens in the middle of the night when the light system has also failed.

Finding obstacles - and taking steps to make them safe - is a practical method of ensuring family safety.   Sometimes the danger within becomes greater than the external danger we are seeking to keep at bay !