Locking Window Guards is a VERY Bad Idea

Locking windows guards can be dangerous as window guards can prevent home occupants from being able to be rescued in the event of a fire.

I have window gates (guards) and am putting up locks on them for the safety of my children. Where do I put the keys? They’d need to be somewhere where the children can use them in case of fire, but I don’t want it them to be lost
susanc 2-20-07 3:08pm

Stop! Think! Locking window guards is a REALLY bad idea. I’m not sure why you need guards but they are generally used for one of two purposes. The first is to prevent break-ins and the second is to prevent young children from falling out a window. In EITHER case, properly installed guards have a keyless, quick release mechanism that can be opened up from the inside of the windows so children could not possibly be trapped inside n the event of a devastating fire.

There is about ZERO chance that keys, even if kept near by, can be found and used in the panic and thick, dense smoke of a fire. Never, ever, padlock these guards shut. For examples of window guards with quick release features, click here.