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Create a home escape plan

Develop and practice a home fire escape plan using NFPA's home escape plan grid (PDF, 1.1 MB).

Security bars

Download a free copy of Supplement 6, Home Security and Fire Safety (PDF, 58 KB), from the 2003 edition of the Life Safety Code® Handbook. This document reviews home security trends, tracks legislation and the progress of community outreach programs, and technology improvements.

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Emergency Response: Life Safety and Evacuation DVD
Teach safety and security staff how to plan for and conduct a safe evacuation!

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New U.S./Canadian Membership
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New U.S./Canadian Membership
Join NFPA® - Get a wealth of information, benefits and services not available anywhere else!

Item #: MBRR
List: $165.00
Member: $165.00

Choose Membership Term

Security bars

	Know two ways out of every room.
	Use emergency release devices inside all barred doors and windows. Emergency release devices enable you to push the bars open from the inside, but they don't affect the security provided outside. These devices can involve pulling a lever, pushing a button, stepping on a pedal or kicking in a lever on the floor. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to operate the release devices.
	Have working smoke alarms and test them monthly.
	While practicing your home fire escape plan, make sure that everyone in the household can operate the quick release mechanisms. If young children, older adults, or people with disabilities need extra help with the devices, designate a member of the household to help them, and decide on backups in case the designated person isn't home.

Security bars

The fear of crime drives many people to install security bars and other devices on their windows and doors to prevent intruders from entering their homes. These actions are often taken without consideration of fire safety and as a result, many serious incidents have occurred where people have been trapped and died in fires.

NFPA has created free educational materials with specific safety messages about home security and fire safety developed to assist you in organizing a safety program in your community.

Safe and Secure Leader´s Guide (PDF, 618 KB)
Safe and Secure brochure (PDF, 142 KB)
Safe and Secure Leader´s Guide in Spanish (PDF, 620 KB)
Safe and Secure brochure in Spanish (PDF, 143 KB)

Feel free to add your organization's name and logo to both the Leader´s Guide and the brochure. (Please don´t alter the pieces in any other way.) Also note that the brochure was designed to be folded. Please e-mail NFPA's Sharon Gamache and let her know how you´re using these materials to make your community "safe and secure."

Insecure: Dangers of Immobile Security Bars
While they can lock criminals out, home security bars can just as effectively lock residents in. NFPA Journal®, July/August 2003. By John R. Paradise.

NFPA does not test, label or approve any products.
Updated: 9/07