Home security is something that Metro Detroit homeowners value above nearly anything else. Everyone wants to feel like they can rest easy knowing that their family is safe. Safety is what Michigan law was focused on when it required that all basements with habitational space have an open-able window for easy emergency escape. You can rest easy knowing that if you’re spending time in with your family in your finished basement that you have a way out in case the unimaginable happens.
That being said, the question still remains, how safe is the egress window in terms of home security? The answer to that is simple—they’re about as secure as any other window in your home! Yes, Egress windows sit lower on the side of your home in order to provide a safe, easy means of escape, but that doesn’t mean that the security in your home is compromised.
If you’re still not convinced, here are a few things to consider to make sure your home is secure with your egress window.
-
Invest in an easy lock mechanism.
As with any window in your home, you’ll want to make sure you can lock your window as your first line of defense. The difference with an egress window is that you also need to make sure that in case of an emergency, you can easily unlock it and get to safety. Try to stay away from locks that require an actual key in case of needing to quickly unlock your egress window. Here are a few easy locking mechanisms to consider:
- Single Window Bar-a bar typically made out of wood or metal that lays in the bottom panel of a window that prevents it from sliding open.
- Sliding Window Lock-this easy lock type slides to one side to lock and to the other to unlock again.
- Deadbolt and pin locks-like the deadbolt options usually seen on doors, this option simply involves sliding the pin through bolt on the window channel. It’s possible to keep this option hidden from the outside for further security.
-
Visibility is Important.
People tend to think that if they cover their egress window by a shrub that it won’t be easily noticed. That may be the case, but it also makes it more difficult for you or a neighbor to notice if anything is amiss. Ideally, the opening around an egress window should be clear of obstruction in case emergency personnel need to reach it. As with any other potential entrance to your home, keep it well lit with motion sensor lights. Having a well-lit, open area is a good way to start monitoring any access point in your home.
-
Invest in an Alarm System.
If home security is a concern of yours, consider investing in a home alarm system. If you already have one, make sure that your basement is accounted for. There are some systems set up to detect any movement around windows and sound an alarm that notifies you and police of an intruder. Make sure that if you have such a system, that you update it to include your newest addition in your home. Again, your egress window is as safe as any other window in your home, so if you have your alarm system monitoring your other windows, you’ll want to monitor this one as well.
Hopefully, these tips can help you rest a little easier as you enjoy the safety and practicality of your egress window!
