{"id":847,"date":"2017-07-11T21:43:58","date_gmt":"2017-07-11T21:43:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jerryswaterproofing.com\/blog\/?p=847"},"modified":"2025-02-20T21:02:44","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T21:02:44","slug":"egress-windows-save-lives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jerryswaterproofing.com\/blog\/egress-windows-save-lives\/","title":{"rendered":"Egress Windows Save Lives"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Why are Egress Windows Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you own a home with a basement in Iowa, you should seriously consider installing an egress window<\/a> and window well. There are several good reasons for installing an egress window, but the most important reason is that it saves lives. Most communities in Iowa have some sort of requirement for placing an egress window. They should be used in the basement of a new home. Also, in remodeling that contains a bedroom or living quarters for occupants to leave during an emergency. Following are several important reasons why egress windows and window wells are important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family Members Can Escape a Fire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No one can predict when or where a fire may start in a home. Fires often start in the basement due to problems with a clothes dryer or furnace. However, they may start anywhere in the home. If a fire begins in the basement, an egress window is the safest way for family members to exit. Sometimes when a fire begins on the upper floors, the nearest exit may be blocked by smoke or flames. An egress window in the basement provides a safe alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firefighters Have an Alternative Entry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In case of a fire or medical emergency, egress windows provide firefighters and emergency personnel a way to enter. If the entrances on the main floor are locked or blocked by smoke or flame, an egress window provides another way to enter. Entering through the basement also decreases the likelihood of causing a backdraft. A backdraft occurs when oxygen feeds the flames by breaking a window or opening a door. In case someone has fallen down the stairs or been injured in the basement, entering through an egress window might save valuable minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basements Have More Sunlight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No one enjoys spending time in a dark, dreary basement. If you plan to convert the basement into an additional living area, installing an egress window is a good way to provide natural light. Gardeners also appreciate having an egress window because it provides a perfect place to store outdoor plants during the winter. They can also start seedlings in the spring for planting outdoors later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basements Comply with the Laws<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In most communities in Iowa, when building a one or two-story home with a basement or remodeling your basement to add an apartment or extra bedroom, you are required by law to provide an egress window. See Iowa Egress Windows Laws and Compliance<\/a> for further information. If you already have a bedroom in your basement, you should make sure you have an egress window installed. The window needs to meet current code requirements because your family\u2019s safety should always be a priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installing an Egress Window Well<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Egress<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Whenever you install an egress window, you will also need to install an egress window well. An egress window well creates an area for your family member or tenant to exit the basement safely. It also allows a firefighter or medical emergency person to enter the basement with a full set of equipment. Whether you leave the egress window well uncovered or covered with removable plastic, there are a few things to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n