Emergency Window Releases

Window guards are metal bars or grilles installed over windows to prevent unauthorized entry. Building codes require that window guards installed over emergency escape and rescue openings — such as sleeping rooms and basement habitable spaces — be equipped with a quick-release mechanism so occupants can exit in a fire or other emergency without tools or special knowledge.

Under the International Residential Code Section R310.4, any bars or grilles installed over an emergency escape and rescue opening must be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool, special knowledge, or excessive force. The release must be operable by all occupants under panic conditions.

Every sleeping room, basement habitable space, and habitable attic is required to have at least one emergency escape and rescue opening. The minimum net clear opening is 5.7 square feet, with a minimum height of 24 inches and minimum width of 20 inches. The maximum sill height is 44 inches above the finished floor.

Installing fixed window bars without a release mechanism on a required emergency escape opening is a building code violation and creates a life-safety hazard. In the event of a fire, occupants could be trapped inside. Fixed bars are only acceptable on windows that are not required egress openings and where another compliant egress is available in the same room.