 | Bob Veazey
is the Owner of Lustercraft Plastics Inc. located at 1818 S. Meridian in Wichita. He started Lustercraft Plastics over 15 years ago and has since expanded. Lustercraft provides their customers with a wide variety of plastic products including custom plastic fabrications and specialty items. You can reach Bob and his team at (316) 942-8451 or visit their website @ www.lustercraft.com |
Home Improvement
2004-07-01 11:31:00
What’s up on ‘escape windows’?
ANSWER: First lets discuss the window wells or 'escape windows' in general. An egress basement window well's main function is to allow an occupant to escape from the basement during an emergency if the primary stairway and/or ground level exit has become inaccessible. Secondary benefits of having a window well are natural lighting in the basement, and the option of opening the basement window for fresh air. Many people like to decorate inside and around the well or basement window. This also needs to be carefully considered, objects that are decorative can become a hazard or obstacle during an escape effort. Remember not only on the inside of the window but also at ground level function over fashion is always the rule in regards to safety. Never place anything (hoses, plants, yard decorations etc…) on top of the window well covering. Doing so will make the operational escape hatch too heavy for a person inside the well to open. Also, being in Kansas and our very cold, wet winters make sure you check the window wells often to ensure they are not snow covered or frozen shut. Now that you know the basics of the window well covering lets talk about the way to get up to it. Your ladder is the most essential piece of equipment you can have. Make sure when the ladder is mounted; it is in a position that provides an individual with the easiest method of escape. With most that will mean mounting it directly underneath the lock. Be sure that each person in the house is familiar with the system and they are able to unlock the windows and the latch on the window well covering. Designate an area well away from the house as a place for everyone to meet in case a fire or emergency does occur. Practice, Practice, Practice!! It is recommended that everyone is involved in a drill at least once every 4-6 months. Education is priceless in the midst of an emergency! Also, check the functionality of your basement window, ladder and window well cover periodically to make sure that nothing will hinder escape from the basement. Repair or replace any equipment that appears to be damaged or not functioning properly. Basement windows should unlock and open easily. Ladders should be securely anchored to the well wall, and the window well cover should unlock, open, and support itself easily. These checks should be conducted every 3 months. A good way to remember is to perform the check when you replace the air filter for your forced air unit.
