How to ensure fire precautions do not compromise your home security

Events a month ago at Grenfell Tower brought home the catastrophic consequences of buildings not being up to adequate fire safety requirements. Wherever you live or let a property, you must prioritise fire prevention and this can be done without compromising security. Measures taken to maximise safety from a fire should not compromise basic security requirements. Statistics published by the Association of British Insurers show that households who fit security devices are less likely to experience a burglary than those without. Burglars are less likely to commit an offence at a property that has taken appropriate steps on security.

Ideally, in the case of an emergency, all entrances and exits to the home must be immediately accessible from the inside without the use of keys. Some commercial premises have a push bar or push pad accessible from inside the building, others employ a thumb turn operated lock which is common in residential properties.

The following steps are recommended:

• Remove or block any glass panels near the lock: Any glass panel within reach of the lock on the door or around the door could potentially be a security issue. If the window is located near to the lock then an intruder could gain access by breaking the glass and then unlocking your door from the inside. turning it is easy to smash the window and unlock your door from the inside. If you really want a ‘see through’ door make sure you have reinforced glass.
• Install a secondary, key-operated lock that can be used when the premises is unoccupied: In addition to your main door lock, (which can be unlocked from inside without a key) there is the option to install another key-operated lock and which can only be used when the property is empty (a holiday or long break, or in the case of a business, at the end of the working day as the last person leaves).
• Ensure all panic hardware is compliant with current standards safety standards and legislation: Panic hardware includes locks and accessories that are fitted to fire exits doors like push bars.

Examples are here:

• Panic Hardware
• Compliance and Safety

Burglar alarm:
Installing an alarm is always recommended to add security to your property. High tech alarm systems protect and act as a deterrent to intruders. We work with the following manufacturers.

• Y-Cam Alarm System
• Smart Home Alarm and View Kit

Push Pads:

• Briton 372 push pad vertical bolt
• Briton 377 double rebated panic push bar set

Thumbturn Cylinders:

• Versa dual finish 6 pin key turn euro cylinder

Key Operated Cylinders:

• Versa dual finish 6 pin euro double cylinder
• Euro Mul T Lock 3 star insurance approved