Complex security features at home can be a nightmare during emergencies

Some security-conscious homeowners have found themselves caught in a 'Catch 22' situation.

In the enthusiasm to install security features to thwart break-ins, they inadvertently, transform their homes into fire traps.

A Bernama check at the flats in Wangsa Maju found that some homeowners had installed grilles and secured them with multiple padlocks to deter break-ins.

On the down side, their attempt to escape in the event of a fire could be seriously hampered due to the excess padlocks.

Complex security features was a hot issue at one time after cases of people meeting a fiery end as they could not escape or be rescued on time when fires engulfed their homes.

On June 11, 2008, Navita Irdayanti Nazwir, 18, and Nor Fatina Rizki Nazwir, 13, died of smoke inhalation when they were trapped in a fire as the top floor of their two-storey terrace house in Taman Mawar, Bandar Salak Tinggi, Sepang was fitted with window grilles.

Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department director Khiruddin Drahman said the public should install grilles which were relatively easy to open.

"They can also install closed-circuit television cameras to reduce dependence on grilles.

"They should also avoid using a complex padlock system to allow swift exit in the event of an emergency," he said when met at his office in Jalan Maharajalela recently.

Homeowners could also use emergency break glass fire units at accessible locations to keep their duplicate keys for their homes, he added.