Over 3300 children are injured each year from window falls. As you begin to open your windows to let the fresh air of spring in, please take a few minutes to make sure your windows are safe and pose no risks for small children. To wrap up National Window Safety Week we offer these guidelines to ensure your family is safe.
- Always supervise small children that may be playing in an area that has open windows. Perhaps consider designating a play area that is further away from open windows.
- Kids love to climb! Keep furniture away from windows to avoid potential risks.
- Never rely on a screen to prevent a fall. Let's keep the bugs out and your sweet children in.
- If you have double hung windows, open the top sash to allow for cool air to ventilate the room.
- Home stores offer limited opening hardware kits, that allow for fresh air, but limit opening to only a few inches to prevent falls.
- Always lock windows when not in use.
- Cords are another potential hazard to small children. Keep cribs and furniture away from corded windows. If a long cord is present, wrap it up in a manner that does not pose a risk. The Window Covering Safety Council offers free retro fit cord devices. Please visit their website to learn more and obtain a kit for your window. http://windowcoverings.org/
Mark your calendars to check your windows at least once a year. A few invested minutes could prevent a serious injury. Have a safe and happy Spring!