People all across the Valley are getting their homes ready for warmer weather by cracking open their windows to let the fresh air blow away the remains of winter. As you ready your house, it's a good time to review and apply these tips to make sure occupants, especially children, are safe around an open window.

• Every year over 3300 children in the US are treated in the ER due to injuries from falling out of windows. Installing window stops or guards , especially on second story windows & in children’s rooms, can help prevent this.

• By all means, let that fresh air into your home, just open your window from the top, not the bottom.

• Children love to climb! If possible, keep furniture away from windows to limit their access to an open window.

• Screens are meant to keep the bugs out. Never depend on them to hold the weight of child.

• If you are unable to supervise a child in various rooms, make sure those windows are locked.

• If you have older children, instruct them on window safety and the dangers or horseplay near an open window.

• Look over your window treatments. Cords pose a choking hazard to young children. Remedy those with child proof wind-up window cord devices. Cordless, accordion style blinds are a practical alternative in a child's room.

• Do you have a home escape plan in case of an emergency? Make sure all occupants of the house know which window to use and run a drill so everyone knows what to do. Make sure that window is always accessible and free of any impediments.

We hope you will take some time this week to check over all your windows to ensure your home is safe for your family and guests.