Firefly launches double glazing escape device

Firefly has launched fire safety product Breakout, designed to break any type of window in the event of a domestic fire via the push of a button.

Double-glazing and toughened glass windows are increasingly common in modern homes but are also difficult to break.

While the latest building regulations insist that new homes must include an easily accessible escape window in every upstairs bedroom, it's estimated that around 20million households in the UK were built before the new standards were introduced.

Breakout contains a powerful spring that safely breaks windows in a split second and has a slim-line design that allows the device to be discretely placed behind blinds or curtains.

Breakout costs GBP24.99 and can be fitted within minutes by anyone.

Developed by Stephen Maher of Firefly, he has said that there is no comparable product on the market, he commented: "I was inspired to invent Breakout when I realised that in the event of a fire it would be virtually impossible to smash the double-glazed windows in my own house".

"I went out immediately to buy window hammers, but I didn't take too long to work out that hammers could be easily misplaced or misused".

"That was the start of a process which has taken three years, a thousand man hours and a considerable amount of support from my fellow Firefly directors, Brian and Kieran Lavery, to design Breakout, get it patented and secure EU accreditation".

In 2008/09 there were more than 40,000 accidental domestic fires leading to 281 fatalities across the UK.

Stephen Maher points out that while Breakout will break windows, it isn't intended to be a substitute for a well planned escape route or the Fire Service.

He has plans to develop further applications for Breakout to expand its appeal beyond the domestic market, particularly in the transport sector.

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