Could you become trapped by your double glazing in a fire situation?

As we try and barricade ourselves in our homes (and offices) to avoid being burgled are we creating a death trap for our families and friends?

Please see my warning about emergency hammers at the bottom of this article or refer to my guide on buying an emergency hammer...

I guess our worst nightmare is becoming trapped at home, at work or when traveling (train and coach) when a fire develops. You only have to look at the regular news reports of people being injured or worse who have died through smoke inhalation or the fire to make you wonder how vunerable we really are, yet why is it so few people actually prepare for this type of emergency? Maybe, its the head in the sand approach and "it will never happen to me" or we simply prefer to ignore it because it is so horrifying to contemplate...

When smoke alarms were introduced the benefits soon became apparent and over the years it seems everyone now has one (anyone who hasn't lives on the dangerous side of life), yet little thought is given to what can happen when the alarm goes off (statistics prove the majority of fires occur at night). If the alarm is fitted downstairs, or in the hallway, the fire has in all likelihood taken hold and smoke is billowing up through the stairwell which has cut off your escape route... forcing you to either remain in the bed or bathroom to avoid breathing in toxic fumes and smoke given off by modern household materials.

Your first thought would be to stuff something at the bottom of the door to try and stop the smoke entering the room then phone the fire brigade (if you can reach a phone), or open a window and call for help.

Hands up all of you who lock your windows and put the key somewhere safe (just to make sure no one can break in). Do you know where the keys are? Could you reach them in the event of a fire? Many people, including my elderly mother, keep the keys in a safe place where noone can find them. sadly, you (and her) are creating a fire trap for your whole family. The problem is worse if you have several different types of window installed, conservatories and double glazed doors (to include sliding patio doors). By far the worst type of double glazed windows are the older ones that were sold as "picture windows", or windows that were the full width of the recess with just opening ones to the top... If you have this type of window change at least one on all floors to ensure you have the ability to escape if you ever need to.

A sensible approach would be to have the keys for each floor level in a secure place (on the same level) where everyone could reach them if they are needed. If, like thousands of homes and commercial premises, the keys have been lost or misplaced you will find it almost impossible to get replacements, the only other answer is to change the handles (if you can get them off). You can also find the same problem at work, when you go on holiday, hotels, apartments, your friends houses, on trains, in fact almost anywhere where there are double glazed windows are installed.. The problem is worse then as there is no hope of you ever escaping from the windows (recent reports in the news of hotel and house fires)...

So whats the answer?

Frankly, there isn't one other than buying an emergency hammer that is purpose made to break double glazing. A good one is the Lifeaxe at Lifeaxe.com for £24.95 (also available on eBay for loads more!). These hammers can be fixed directly to a wall, adjacent to the window (or carried with you) so that if the worst does happen at least you are prepared and have a means to escape. Everyone I know is having them fitted as it seems they are now the new "must have" safety device (since the introduction of smoke alarms). They are being fitted in schools, houses, commercial buildings, hotels, care homes etc.. they are even being used by the Police in vehicle crime units and the Fire Brigade for extrication demonstrations (vehicle accidents) so I guess they must be good.

What I have written is so scary I've ordered one myself and will be having it fitted in the next few days (at least I can sleep at night knowing I don't have to worry)...

Happy buying and be safe... especially at Christmas (be a great stocking filler for dads I guess!).

Warning: Please read my guide on emergency car hammers being offered for sale on eBay for double glazing (they are not intended for this type of glass and could leave you badly injured if you tried to use them!).

Please...