Abstract: A method and kit for retrofitting security doors to facilitate escaping from buildings during emergencies. One benefit is that it applies to new security doors as well as existing security doors. Still yet another benefit is that it can be molded from a corrosion resistant plastic. Still yet another benefit is that only basic hand tools are required for retrofitting existing doors. The kit is comprised of a simple separable shield having a thin outer wall portion for enclosing an unlocking member and an orthogonal portion for retaining the shield in a security door. In one aspect of the invention the shield is mounted in fixed relationship to the security door. In a second aspect, the shield is mounted in rotating relationship to the security door. The method is comprised of the steps of removing a lock member, installing the shield and re-installing the lock member.