As spring arrives, the Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council encourages parents and caregivers to recognize the importance of practicing window safety year-round.
Window Safety Week is observed April 1-7. However, open windows can be dangerous any time of year for young children who are not properly supervised.
Each year, the Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council takes the first full week in April to educate about the importance of practicing window safety year-round.
Falls from a window can result in serious injury or death and pose an especially dangerous threat for children. Every year, about eight children under age five die from falling out a window, and more than 3,300 are injured seriously enough to go to the hospital.*
“It only takes seconds for a preventable window fall to occur,” said Becky Turpin, Director of Home & Community Safety for the National Safety Council. “To avoid these needless tragedies, it is very important for parents and caregivers to take steps to prevent home falls.”
To protect children, the Window Safety Task Force offers the following tips:
- When young children are around, keep windows closed and locked.
- When opening a window for ventilation, use those located out of a child’s reach.
- Avoid placing furniture near windows to prevent young children from climbing and gaining access to an open window.
- Don’t allow children to jump on beds or other furniture to help reduce potential falls.
- Don’t rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall. Insect screens are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep children in the home.
- Supervise children to keep child’s play away from windows, balconies or patio doors.
- Install ASTM F2090 compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open or window guards (with quick-release mechanisms in case of fire or other emergency) to help prevent a fall.
- Teach your child how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency, such as a fire.
Visit nsc.org/windowsafetytaskforce, as well as the window safety sections of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) websites to learn more. Follow the Window Safety Task Force on Twitter and Facebook for more tips and updates on this important safety issue.
* According to Safe Kids Worldwide’s 2015 Report to the Nation: Protecting Children in Your Home
http://www.safekids.org/research-report/report-nation-protecting-children-your-home-february-2015
About the Window Safety Task Force
The Window Safety Task Force was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety. The task force is comprised of members representing the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and the Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) in cooperation with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and other organizations, as well as manufacturers of windows, doors and screens. The National Safety Council saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes, communities and on the roads, through leadership, research, education and advocacy.
About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas that can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.
