What Are Unsafe Security Bars?

Ones that: cannot be opened at all or Cannot be opened quickly or Require:

1) a key or
2) special knowledge or
3) a separate tool or
4) extra physical effort to open

Approved Security Bars Are Ones That:

Can be easily opened from the inside and

Have approved quick-release mechanisms and

Have a permit issued by the Department of Building and Safety and

Have smoke alarms installed in the sleeping areas.

Additional Information

In the City of Los Angeles, there is a law regulating the installation of such devices and it states…

In sleeping rooms with security bars, at lease one of the windows must be openable from the inside with a quick-release latch. These security bars must be equipped with approved release mechanisms that are openable from the inside without the use of a key, special knowledge or effort.

Smoke alarms must be installed in the sleeping rooms and in the area giving access to any such room.

It is important to remember that security bars must be installed under a permit obtained form the Department of Building and Safety. Call 888-524-2845 or visit www.ladbs.org for more information about permits.

These requirements apply regardless of when the security bars were installed.

What if I Already Have Security Bars that Are Unsafe?

Some existing security bars can be modified to meet safety guidelines. However, replacing unsafe security bars is the best solution to the problem.

E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills In The Home)