Hidden Danger

Friday, April 12th, 2013

Here in New York, we’re finally getting a long-awaited taste of spring,but before you open your windows to let the breeze in, consider this: approximately 4,700 children annually in the United States require treatment following a fall from a window, according to the American Society for Testing and Materials. What’s worse: About 18 children per year die from such falls.

So, as part of National Window Awareness Week (April 7th-13th), Anderson Windows’ LookOut For Kids window safety program is offering materials and tips to help keep our kids safe. Some of the most critical guidelines:

• Position beds and other furniture away from windows
• Never leave young children unsupervised
• Do not depend on insect screens to keep children from falling out of windows
• Don’t paint, nail or seal windows shut. They can provide an escape in an emergency
• Consider installing window guards (metal bars that deter kids from falling through an open window) or window opening control devices, which limits the amount a window can open

Who knew that window falls were so common? Thankfully, these small steps can assure us all a safe, happy spring.

How Safe Are Your Windows?

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

This is National Window Safety Week. If you live in an area where it’s starting to warm up, you’re probably ready to throw open those windows. But before you do, remember the following safety tips. After all, research shows that every year, approximately 5,200 children under the age of 18 are injured because of falls from windows. To keep your kids safe:

* Always make sure they’re locked

* Never put beds and furniture under windows–it’s way too tempting for young kids to climb up.

* Don’t rely on screens to prevent your child from falling out of a window.

* Don’t paint or seal windows shut. You want to be able to open all windows in case of an emergency.

* Consider installing window guards or window-opening control devices to make sure that windows don’t open too far.

For more advice, check out this brochure, courtesy of Andersen Windows & Doors’ Look Out For Kids! program.

Image: Pretty smiling little girl on balcony via Shutterstock