Four in a family killed in USJ2 fire

[Naka]

You could break the glass panes but not go through the horizontal bars which are half inch round steel bars spaced 6" apart through the wood frame. Its not generally possible to wedge them apart and try to escape through this kind of louvered window design. It would take more than a crowbar to create enough space for escape. Maybe I suggest you inspect a typical Naco window framework when you're back in Malaysia.
More than a decade ago, I fully DIY dismantled a 3 section Naco window frame assembly to replace to aluminum sliding window at my kitchen. It was very very tough work to break everything apart and eventually dispose it.

Sad to read another similar tragedy at Kepong. Similar 2 storey terrace home.
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/natio...ng-house-fire/

I saw one recently and the spacing is about 12" to 15" & I also thought the iron bars should bend with a kick, no?

[bslee]

I saw one recently and the spacing is about 12" to 15" & I also thought the iron bars should bend with a kick, no?

No..I ain't giving any kung fu kick to try..risk breaking my foot. I know how tough it is when I dismantled that old Naco window assembly, it took me days with basic tools.

[Naka]

No..I ain't giving any kung fu kick to try..risk breaking my foot. I know how tough it is when I dismantled that old Naco window assembly, it took me days with basic tools.

I think in an emergency, a chair or repeated side kicks for a 12" to 15" louvered windows ( aiya u do not have to know kung fu) should be able to bend them.

After all it life or death.

[bslee]

I think in an emergency, a chair or repeated side kicks for a 12" to 15" louvered windows ( aiya u do not have to know kung fu) should be able to bend them.

After all it life or death.

Well, I wish people faced with home fire have it easier to escape but it seems not. You could kick an external grill off its flimsy or rusted bolts but NOT those steel rods within the Naco frame. I don't know where you've seen samples of 12" apart here but everyone I've seen made in the past are almost the same design as in my house. I easily assume 170 houses in my area are exactly the same type originally fitted by Sime UEP. I was just looking outside my backyard and seeing numerous of this kind of Naco window frames with slimmest chance of fast escape if and when its needed. Sad case..

[Naka]

Well, I wish people faced with home fire have it easier to escape but it seems not. You could kick an external grill off its flimsy or rusted bolts but NOT those steel rods within the Naco frame. I don't know where you've seen samples of 12" apart here but everyone I've seen made in the past are almost the same design as in my house. I easily assume 170 houses in my area are exactly the same type originally fitted by Sime UEP. I was just looking outside my backyard and seeing numerous of this kind of Naco window frames with slimmest chance of fast escape if and when its needed. Sad case..

The ones I saw are a bit flimsy...it's single glass blades with metal rods that hinge on both sides of the frames.

In an emergency, cover it with blankets and hard push the glass & rod.

Should give way

[opulant]

The ones I saw are a bit flimsy...it's single glass blades with metal rods that hinge on both sides of the frames.

In an emergency, cover it with blankets and hard push the glass & rod.

Should give way

The old Naco louvered windows come with strong steel rods. There is no need to install additional grill.

In some new high rise condo, I saw louvered windows without steel rod, just the glass panels. These louvered windows are normally installed at "less important area" like the sidewall of backyard or the maid washroom..

[Naka]

[QUOTE=opulant;608405]The old Naco louvered windows come with strong steel rods. There is no need to install additional grill.

.......................QUOTE]

Whoever adds additional grill is an idiot.

[opulant]

Although locked grill is a death trap in the event of fire.. but it was often reported that fire victims died due to excessive smoke inhalation even before they attempted to free themselves..

Nowadays, a potential death trap is formed with the the current design of intermediate terrace house and the reasons the doors and windows are closed at night…

Most of the landed properties notably the intermediate houses have very poor air ventilation.

At night, doors and windows downstairs need to be closed for privacy and safety, and to prevent mosquitos. Windows of bedrooms upstairs need to be closed as air-conditioner is switched on. Smoke from fire or poisonous gas from leaking LPG can’t escape to outdoor and accumulate inside the house..

I think a good smoke detector should be a mandatory safety item before CF is issued...

[Naka]

Although locked grill is a death trap in the event of fire.. but it was often reported that fire victims died due to excessive smoke inhalation even before they attempted to free themselves..

Nowadays, a potential death trap is formed with the the current design of intermediate terrace house and the reasons the doors and windows are closed at night…



I think a good smoke detector should be a mandatory safety item before CF is issued...

I learnt you have to get out within 5 minutes or else it is TOO LATE.

[opulant]

Irrespective of 3 minutes, 5 minutes or 10 minutes....

First thing first is - one needs to know there is fire in the house and smoke is spreading and building up. You wouldn't know when you are sound asleep in the bedroom...

That's why a good smoke detector with siren can help.. just don’t installed right on top of the cookers at the kitchen ceiling !!

[bslee]

Whoever adds additional grill is an idiot.

Haha!..maybe I should go to my backyard and take a stroll along 2 rows of homes and start counting all the idiots..

[Naka]

Haha!..maybe I should go to my backyard and take a stroll along 2 rows of homes and start counting all the idiots..

Maybe they are fed up living n want to migrate up.

[opulant]

...Whoever adds additional grill is an idiot.

Maybe they are fed up living n want to migrate up.

I don't think all are plain ignorant ... Some may have bad experience before.

When I shifted to my place about 10 years ago, I always met with a retired banker during my weekend morning jog. His former house was a semi-D at USJ5. He told me his house was repeatedly targeted by burglars until he couldn't take it anymore. He said he is "lucky" that all the break-in happened when they were not in the house. He also bought another unit for his daughter after a few years living in this present place.


p/s: I think USJ5 now is one of the areas with a very good GnG installation. Those who live there likely have the deepest pocket in USJ...

[Dervish]

That house ... it had an eerie feel. Can't tell why.

[QuietStorm]

That house ... it had an eerie feel. Can't tell why.

I haven't seen it. I have a friend staying in the same area. When I asked him where the house was, he told me it was not near his. His house is near The Summit.