I have a window the room that I am doing as my HT. I wanted to put a non movable screen up in front of it, but I know some municipalities require that you have some form of exit form a second floor in case of fire. My question is do y'all think that blocking the window with some form of blackout, and then hanging a screen in front of it on the wall would be considered blocking the exit? Any other ideas how to work around this?

Thanks
Patrick

As for blocking, if it's the only window upstairs you should be concerned about blocking with anything that can't be easily removed in case of emergency. If there are other nearby windows you shouldn't be too concerned.


Assuming you have to be concerned, I've read here about guys who have made one piece plugs that fit in the window, blocking the light and providing some sound insulation. You could make one that is easily lifted out of the way. Also you will have to consider the screen mount and make it somewhat removable in an emergency. You could hinge it on the top so that it tips up and have a pole that you can use to hold it up.


Lastly you should make sure that everyone in the family knows how to escape the room in case of fire.

Lastly you should make sure that everyone in the family knows how to escape the room in case of fire.

Amen......This is still over looked in many families.

Well said DC. Just make sure there is an easily accessible exit.

Lastly you should make sure that everyone in the family knows how to escape the room in case of fire.

Let me describe a scenario for you. It's thanksgiving day and the misses has loaded up the oven with the big bird, something else is on the stove set to a slow boil.

The family is up in the well sound proofed/ air tight HT with it's own separate HVAC, watching the Macy's Parade. And of course you are off getting in 18 Holes with the buddies before dinner.

A fire breaks out in the kitchen but soon engulfs the only stairs to the second floor.

The family is clueless, they don't hear the fire alarm and they can't smell any smoke.

When they finally realize what is happening the only way out may be the window in the room they are in.

So 2 things. 1) make sure you have an emergency exit plan
2) hard wire ALL your smoke detectors together and put one INSIDE the HT. Make sure it goes off when any of the others do.

I have noticed the lack of concern for smoke detectors in home theaters. Lack of concern may be too strong a phrase, should be more like "forgot about". When I build, if the inspector says 3, I have 5 installed, all hard wired. Too many people have lost family due to inadequate detectors. And what gets me the most is, my local fire departments will donate fire detectors if you ask for them. No excuses, period.