Fire Safety and Door Locks: Balancing Security with Escape

Home security is vital, but it shouldn't come at the cost of fire safety. In the event of a fire, you need to be able to exit your home quickly without searching for keys in smoke-filled rooms. Getting this balance right is an important consideration when choosing and positioning your locks.

The golden rule is: always keep your door keys in a consistent, easily accessible location — but not where they can be reached through the letterbox or seen through a window. A key hook on the wall in the hallway (out of letterbox reach) or in a kitchen drawer are good options.

For uPVC and composite doors with euro cylinder locks, a thumb-turn cylinder allows you to open the door from the inside without a key. The thumb turn replaces the key on the inside of the door with a simple lever you can turn by hand. This is ideal for homes with children or elderly residents who might struggle to find a key in an emergency.

For mortice deadlocks on wooden doors, make sure the key is always in the lock on the inside when you're at home. This allows instant exit without searching for keys. At night, turning the key to the locked position with the key remaining in the lock provides both security and easy escape.

Window locks should be openable from inside in case you need to use a window as an emergency exit. Keep window lock keys on or very near the windows they operate.

At Oldham Locksmiths, we always consider fire safety when recommending security solutions. Call 07949 139 475 to discuss the best options for your home.