Yes they do Steve.. I have always resisted attempts to make our building look like a prison.
I remember a few newspaper stories of whole families living in large wooden Spanish style houses in Manila burning to death because of those caged windows.
About the only option for safety I can think of is have them on hinges that swing open.. When closed they can be padlocked.. The padlock key would probably have to be hung from a hook on the wall near the window on the inside.