Could your Maricopa, AZ business benefit by adding panic bars? That depends, but most likely, it will. Panic bars are being increasingly used all over town; in fact, all over the western world. There’s a reason for that; they work! They do their “job” so well, that in many areas, they are required by fire marshals, local building codes and property developers. We invite you to read our thoughts on panic bars and if interest is there, call your local full-service commercial locksmith for additional details and pricing information.
What do panic bars do?
Panic bars help control crowd flow so that anyone exiting a building or area of a property can leave the premises without having to unlock a door, turn a door knob or fight incoming traffic. Also known as push bars, crash bars and exit devices, panic bars are those horizontal metal bars installed on back doors. You’ve most likely seen and used them hundreds of times and after reading this, you’ll start to notice them even more!
All that is required to use a panic bar is to lean on them and push. That’s it. This action unlocks the door and opens it at the same time. There is no door knob on the other side of the exit door that the panic bar is installed on. Without having to maneuver people walking in, you are free to simply push the crash bar and walk out of the premises. This allows for freer movement when customers, visitors or patrons are leaving a building.
Another big benefit of panic bars is that they can be used in so many different business settings. You can find panic bars in hundreds of different business location types, including movie theaters, hospitals, medical offices, hotels, restaurants, laundromats, car dealerships, gas stations, bakeries, shopping centers, museums, rest homes, home improvement stores, mail centers, auto repair shops, funeral homes and thousands more! The use of panic bars makes exiting a location safer and more convenient whether you have one or two customers at a time or thousands.
Don’t yell “fire” in a crowded movie theater!
Don’t do that; it’s illegal (plus, it’s not nice!). People tend to panic easily, and often, more are hurt or killed by the stampeding action of the crowd than by the actual danger itself. Anytime you have an emergency situation when people need to exit or evacuate, every second counts. Panic bars got their name because they work so well when people need to leave fast and safely. Imagine an armed intruder or a gas leak. You could have a few shoppers in a jewelry store or thousands in a crowded sports arena. Exiting an area needs to be orderly and fast and panic bars help achieve this.
Are they required?
They can be. As stated above, check with your fire department, code inspector or commercial builder. Even if they are not required, you should seriously consider having one or more of them installed. Some places, like regional shopping malls, have several sets of panic bars; some at the exits and more, at each individual store’s back door.
Too good to be true?
Wait! Aren’t there any drawbacks to having panic bars? No major ones are known but they can occasionally lock up on you or become stuck. If that happens, it is difficult to close your store for the night as your back door can remain unlocked until fixed. Don’t let this rare problem bother you – you can consult your owner’s manual or call the locksmith that installed your panic bar and have them make the necessary adjustments so that your panic bar works like new again.
Where to purchase your panic bar(s)
You have several choices when it comes to locating and purchasing the right panic bars for your commercial location. Your builder or property developer may already have some models that have been successfully used in the construction of your building or store. You can always buy locally at home improvement stores but keep in mind that most clerks that work there are not experts in panic bar use, installation or service. Any questions you may have are best answered by calling the manufacturer directly.
You can go online and find useful product information as well as ordering details. Numerous sources sell panic bars and their accessories. Web shopping allows you to read customer testimonials, reviews and complaints. Often, the panic bar makers have customer service reps that are available by phone, email and web-chat so that you can get your questions answered by a knowledgeable person directly.
Our favorite source for panic bars
Okay; we admit it; Pro Locksmith Maricopa is a little biased! We provide professional panic bar sales, installation and service for local commercial establishments. While you don’t have to use our service, you really should work with a commercial locksmith expert in your area. Doing so will give you access to 24-hour emergency service, the best rates and mobile assistance; anytime needed. A business locksmith shop will have access to many different sizes and styles of panic bar and will be able to provide you with options and choices that are specific to your product, service or clientele.
Lower insurance rates
Be sure to check with your tax preparer or company accountant about your panic bar purchase. You may be able to write off part or all of its cost as you are making an improvement to your building. Also, many insurance companies lower premiums for the business if you have panic bars installed. They love when building owners install safety measures and precautions like panic bars, portable fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and good lighting.
Find out more…
Panic bars can yield lower insurance premiums, safer commercial locations, happier customers and peace of mind for you. Find out more by calling a local commercial locksmith in your area. If you ever have an emergency with people running for the exits, you’ll be so glad that you had these spring loaded metal bars installed!
Original Article Here: http://www.locksmithmaricopa.com/news/panic-bars-importance-in-commercial-property.html
