Basement safety
Why Emergency Escape Windows Are Becoming Essential for Basements
Finished basements are a way of life including offices, playrooms, bedrooms, and more. Often, it is children that occupy these finished basements. Homeowners may not realize that the basement could be a trap if a fire were to break out.
For this reason, building code requires a secondary means of escape for finished basements (in addition to the basement steps). This code requirement is intended to allow someone an alternative way to escape in the event of a fire. A separate basement entrance or a code-compliant large egress window are ways homeowners can conform with this important life-safety building code.
Boccia Inc. has been at the forefront of installing code-compliant egress basement windows and basement entrances since the inception of this building code. A basement egress window system includes an oversized window and exterior window well with an escape ladder. A large custom cover protects the well from filling with water and leaves. Egress windows complying with New York State building code are large enough to allow a firefighter to enter the basement as well.
Though the primary intention for installing a basement egress window is the safety of the family and basement occupants during an emergency, these large windows have the added benefit of bringing in additional natural light and fresh air which brightens and transforms the basement into a healthier living environment.
New York State Building Code: R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue opening required.
Basements, habitable attics and every sleeping room shall have not less than one operable emergency escape and rescue opening. Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, an emergency escape and rescue opening shall be required in each sleeping room. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall open directly into a public way, or to a yard or court that opens to a public way.
Contact Boccia Inc. at 516-747-7727 or visit our website to install your code compliant basement egress window.
