that can be fitted between the frames,
meaning no unsightly attachments are
fixed to the main window, which may
keep your landlord happy. It may not be
a great look, but you can also have bars
fitted to all the windows. The plus side
is it allows you to open the windows to
let in some fresh air without any safety
issues, as long as the bars are of a good
quality and correctly spaced. If possible
it’s best to discuss your concerns and
the above options with the landlord
before you sign the tenancy agreement.
When it comes to the actual window,
make sure you check the condition of
your windows regularly, specifically the
bar hinges, screws and rivets for rusting.
The government offers guidelines on
window maintenance, which is useful
to both tenant and landlord.
Visit www.bd.gov.hk
Also ceck out our previous article on
window safety on www.playtimes.com.
hk/tag/window-safety-locks-hong-kong/
Windows Fire
What’s the solution?
You can try your luck and ask your
landlord to fit a window lock for you;
the odd tenant might be granted this
request. For many people, however, you
will have to get permission from your
landlord to fit the lock as well as pay the
bill yourself. Many of the fittings on the
market will do permanent damage to
the window frame. Bubba Safety sells
UK made key-locking window restrictors Solve the problem
For families who live up many flights of
stairs, escaping a fire (when you are
instructed not to use the elevator) is
somewhat challenging, so it’s best all
around if you can put it out instead.
Basically your fire prevention kit should
include a fire blanket to throw on small
fires and a fire extinguisher to spray on
large fires. You should install a smoke
and carbon monoxide detector, to alert
you to fires you haven’t seen. If you live in
a first- or second-floor property, you may
want to consider purchasing a portable
fire escape ladder, which can be hung
from a window or balcony in the event of
a fire. Even if you have your home kitted
The hazard
Living on the 42nd floor of a gargantuan
building can bring with it glorious views
without the worry of nosey neighbours
spying on you as you tiptoe to the
kitchen in your underwear, BUT it does
bring with it a potential deadly hazard.
Just the thought of a youngster opening
a window at such a height or getting out
onto a balcony unsupervised is enough
to send shivers down your spine … it’s
just not something to leave to (bad) luck.
In addition, incidents of windows falling
from buildings have highlighted another
terrifying danger.
40
www.playtimes.com.hk
The hazard
Fire may be one of those things that you
think only happens to other people but
if you do happen to have an unlucky
accident lighting a birthday candle or
leaving something flammable next to the
gas hob, it’s bad; really bad. So it’s best
to be prepared so you can act quickly
and minimise the impact.
43 %
of fires
(of known origin)
in HK were caused
by unattended
stove top cooking
accidents