The Benefits of a Panic Bar for your Chalmette Business

A panic bar, also known as a crash bar or push bar, is a device that is installed on an exit door to allow people to exit a building quickly and easily in case of an emergency. It is typically a horizontal bar that is attached to the inside of a door and extends across the entire width of the door. When the bar is pushed, the door unlatches and opens to allow people to exit.

Panic bars are commonly found in commercial buildings such as offices, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings. They are designed to be easy to operate, even in stressful or panicked situations. Panic bars can be installed on single or double doors and can be used on both metal and wooden doors.

Panic bars are usually made of metal and can come in various styles and sizes, but they all function in the same way. Most will also be equipped with vertical rods that extend from the bar to the top and bottom of the door. These rods help to secure the door in place when it is closed, and provide added strength and stability to the door when it is opened.

Panic bars can also be equipped with alarms or integrated with access control systems to enhance the security of a building. This can help deter intruders and provide an added layer of protection for employees and customers. Some panic bars may also have a key-operated lock that can be used to secure the door from the outside.

The purpose of the panic bar is to provide a quick and easy means of escape in case of an emergency, such as a fire or other dangerous situation. Panic bars are designed to be easy to operate, even in stressful or panicked situations, and can be used by people of all ages and abilities.

In addition to providing a means of escape, panic bars can also enhance the security of a building. Many panic bars are equipped with alarms or integrated with access control systems, which can help deter intruders and provide an added layer of protection for employees and customers.

1. Enhanced safety: A panic bar allows for quick and easy exit from a building in case of an emergency, such as a fire or other dangerous situation. In the event of an emergency, every second counts, and a panic bar can help people evacuate quickly and safely.
2. Compliance with building codes: Many building codes require the installation of panic bars on certain types of exit doors. By installing a panic bar, you can ensure that your business is up to code and avoid potential fines or penalties.
3. Improved accessibility: Panic bars are designed to be easy to use for people of all ages and abilities. This can be especially beneficial for businesses with a large number of elderly or disabled customers or employees who may have difficulty operating traditional door handles.
4. Increased security: Panic bars can be fitted with alarms or integrated with access control systems to further enhance the security of your business. This can help deter intruders and provide an added layer of protection for your employees and customers.
5. Cost-effective: Panic bars are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain, making them a cost-effective way to enhance the safety and security of your business.

Yes, there have been many instances where panic bars have saved people's lives by allowing them to quickly and easily exit a building during an emergency. Here are some examples you may have heard of:

1. The Station Nightclub Fire: In 2003, a fire broke out at the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, killing 100 people and injuring 230 others. Many of the victims were unable to escape because the club's front exit was blocked and there were no emergency exits. However, some people were able to escape through a side door that had a panic bar.
2. The 9/11 Attacks: During the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, many people were able to escape the buildings because they used panic bars on the emergency exit doors. The panic bars allowed people to quickly exit the buildings, even as the elevators and main stairwells became blocked or locked down.
3. The Pulse Nightclub Shooting: In 2016, a gunman opened fire at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing 49 people and injuring 53 others. Many people were able to escape the club through emergency exits that were equipped with panic bars.

These are just a few examples of how panic bars have saved people's lives in emergencies. By providing a quick and easy means of escape, panic bars can help prevent injuries and fatalities in a wide range of emergency situations.

Panic bars are commonly used in a variety of commercial and public buildings where quick and easy emergency exits are necessary. In fact, panic bars are required in Louisiana for certain types of buildings. According to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office, all new or renovated commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings over 5,000 square feet in size are required to have panic hardware on all exit doors. Additionally, all public assembly buildings, such as theaters, auditoriums, and churches, are required to have panic hardware on exit doors.

These requirements are based on building codes and standards designed to promote safety and protect against fire hazards. Panic hardware, such as push bars and crash bars, are an important safety feature that can help ensure that occupants can quickly and easily exit a building in case of an emergency.

It's important to note that building codes and requirements can vary depending on the jurisdiction and type of building. It's always a good idea to consult with a licensed professional or building code official to determine the specific requirements for your building or facility.

Some examples of other businesses and organizations that often use panic bars on their doors include:

• Hospitals: Hospitals require a high level of security and safety, and panic bars on exit doors can help ensure that patients, visitors, and staff can quickly and easily exit the building in case of an emergency.
• Schools: Panic bars are often installed in schools to provide quick and easy access to emergency exits in the event of a fire, natural disaster, or other emergency situation.
• Office Buildings: Many office buildings are required by local building codes to have panic bars on exit doors. Panic bars can also be integrated with security systems to help prevent unauthorized access and protect against intruders.
• Restaurants and Bars: Restaurants and bars often have crowded conditions, and panic bars can help ensure that customers and staff can exit the building quickly and safely in case of an emergency.
• Retail Stores: Panic bars can be used in retail stores to provide a quick and easy exit in case of a fire or other emergency. They can also help prevent theft and protect against unauthorized access.
• Banks: Banks also use panic bars often on their doors so that customers and staff can quickly exit the building in case of emergency. 

Panic bars can be installed by your local Chalmette locksmith, Trulox. We are licensed and insured and current on all of the safety and building code guidelines for the area, so you are assured that it is installed and functions correctly. Is your business actually outside of the area? We have courteous and experienced Louisiana locksmiths all over the state that can help.

Installing a panic bar on your exit doors is a wise investment for any Chalmette business owner. By improving safety, accessibility, compliance, security, and cost-effectiveness, a panic bar can provide peace of mind and protection for your business and its occupants.