Association News: Prepare for Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15

Schaumburg, Illinois – As fall temperatures arrive, fire safety comes back into focus, as Oct. 9-15 is Fire Prevention Week in the U.S. When it comes to a fire emergency, the Window Safety Task Force reminds everyone that doors and windows are the primary and secondary escape routes. This is an especially important topic this fire season, when those on the West Coast are experiencing higher risks of wildfires impacting communities.

How prepared are you to escape safely in a fire?
"Whether due to a wildfire, lightning or other causes, a home fire can start quickly, with little time to safely escape," said Angela Dickson, Co-chair of the Window Safety Task Force and Marketing and Communications Director for the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA). "The Window Safety Task Force encourages everyone to develop and test an escape plan at least twice a year. And remember, the plan should include accommodations for loved ones with special needs and for cherished pets."

Seven safety tips from the Window Safety Task Force
1. Create a fire escape plan that includes two exits from every room in your home, through a door and a window.
2. Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at night, as many home fires occur at night.
3. Practice opening and closing windows that may be designated as emergency exits.
4. Attempt to open a window first, rather than break the glass, if you must exit through it in an emergency.
5. Open the window to escape or choose another exit route if your home features windows with impact-resistant glass, commonly used in hurricane-prone areas.
6. Check with local code officials when remodeling your home to understand emergency escape and rescue (egress) building code requirements. Egress windows are those designated by code as large enough for you to escape through or for rescue workers to enter in emergency situations.
7. Consult your local building code official to determine proper placement of window guards or fall prevention devices if you equip windows in your home with these. Look for devices that comply with ASTM F2090.

Visit the window safety sections of the FGIA and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association websites to learn more. Follow the Window Safety Task Force on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for more tips and updates on this important safety issue.

About the Window Safety Task Force
The Window Safety Task Force was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety. The task force is comprised of members representing the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) and the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), in cooperation with the National Safety Council (NSC) and other organizations, as well as manufacturers of windows, doors and screens. Window Safety Week, recognized the first full week of April, is intended to heighten awareness about what actions homeowners can take to establish window safety as a year-round priority.

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