Window Fall Prevention

Window Fall Prevention

Unfortunately open windows on an upper story of a building provide a real threat to the safety of young children. Kids can be drawn to an open window and push the screen out leading to a fall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued a warning to all parents and caregivers because of the frequent occurrence of such accidents. Children younger than five years old account for approximately one-third of the reported fatalities.

The windows of your home should be checked very carefully. To help prevent injuries and tragedies we recommend the following safety tips:

• Never depend on screens to keep children from falling. They can be dislodged.
• Move furniture away from windows so that children cannot climb up to a window.
• Install Window Stops so that windows cannot be opened more than 4 inches.
• Install Window Guards or bars to prevent access. These have an emergency release for emergency exit.
• If you have Double Hung windows, open them from the top whenever possible.
• Window Blinds and Drapery cords should be wound up in Cord Wraps and placed high out of a child's reach. Entanglement in cords can cause strangulation or other harm.
• Remove the handles for casement and crank-out windows so that young kids cannot open those types of windows.