As the weather warms up and the sun starts to shine, you may be eager to throw open your windows and let in some fresh air. But before you do, it’s important to think about window safety – especially if you have young children in your home. Every year, thousands of children are seriously injured from falls out of windows, and tragically, some even lose their lives.* So, let’s take a moment to talk about how you can keep your little ones safe while still enjoying the breeze.
In order to prevent window-related accidents and ensure the safety of young children, the Window Safety Task Force, together with the National Safety Council, urges parents and caregivers to be mindful of window safety not just during Window Safety Week (observed annually during the first full week of April), but all year round.
Falls from windows can be fatal or cause serious injury, particularly for children.
To prevent such accidents from happening, the Window Safety Task Force offers the following tips:
- Keep windows closed and locked when young children are present.
- When opening windows for ventilation, use those that are out of reach of children.
- Avoid placing furniture near windows to prevent children from accessing them.
- Do not allow children to jump on beds or other furniture near windows.
- Insect screens are not designed to keep children from falling out of windows, so do not rely on them to prevent accidents.
- Keep child’s play away from windows, balconies, or patio doors.
- Consider installing ASTM F2090-compliant devices to limit how far a window can open, or install window guards with quick-release mechanisms in case of an emergency.
- Teach children how to safely use a window to escape during emergencies such as fires.
To learn more about window safety, visit the Window Safety Task Force website, as well as the window safety sections of the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) and the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) websites. You can also follow the Window Safety Task Force on social media for more updates and tips on this important safety issue.
* According to Safe Kids Worldwide’s 2015 Report to the Nation: Protecting Children in Your Home
