Blow out those pumpkin spice candles, turn off the lights when you’re not in the room, because here we are: in the middle of October’s Fire Prevention Week! In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. This year it’s October 4-10!
During this week, the NFPA provides several trainings all over the U.S. to prevent casualties of fires. At WMGB, we thought we’d help those heroes out (they deserve it!) and do our part to make sure we spread the word on how West Michigan Glass Block’s egress windows can help your family stay safe in case of a fire in the home.
Egress Windows for Basement Fire Safety
Egress windows are windows placed in the living spaces in your basement; if during your remodel you put a guest bedroom in the basement, by law it needs an egress window. They’re big enough for you to escape through if there is a fire in the home and going up the stairs is not an option. Here is how WMGB makes your egress windows a safe escape option in case of a fire:
First, the egress window needs to be accessed from outside if the window is below grade. WMGB would dig a well to the window and make it accessible by installing a ladder in the well. Of course, you can customize the well and ladder however you’d like, but our main concern is safety. At WMGB, we make sure the egress well cannot interfere with the egress window fully opening, and that the distance from the egress window to the back of the well is correct – at least 36”. The egress well will also need a cover, so that no one can just fall in – whew!
Egress Window Safety Guidelines
The egress window itself also has to fulfill several safety measures: the size of the window and the way it opens are very important! WMGB will make sure the opening area of the window is at least 5.7 square feet, the opening height is 24″ high, and the opening itself is 20″ wide. That will ensure safe exit through the window is possible.
West Michigan Glass Block is here to ensure your family’s safety. This Fire Prevention Week, call WMGB and get a quote on an egress window for your home!
