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Fires and falls of all kinds are among the leading causes of injury and death in young children. While some falls occur from windows, it is important to realize that in the event of a fire, it can also be a way to rescue a child.
The tips provided below will help keep your family safe around the windows in your home.
- Don't leave young children alone - injuries can happen in seconds.
- Whenever young children are around, close and lock windows. An open window may pose a hazard to an unsupervised child. If you need ventilation, open windows that children can't reach.
- When opening windows for ventilation, open windows that children cannot reach.
- Set and enforce rules about keeping children's play away from windows and/or patio door.
- Don't rely on insect screens to prevent a fall. Insect screens are designed to provide ventilation while keeping insects out. They will not prevent a child's fall from a window.
- Keep furniture such as beds - or anything children can climb - away from windows. Children may use such objects as a climbing aid.
- Never paint or nail windows shut. You must be able to open them to escape in an emergency.
- Do not install window unit air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency. The air conditioning unit could block or impede escape through the window.
- Always be sure that you have at least one window in each sleeping and living area that meets escape and rescue requirements.
- Keep window treatments (blinds, cords, drapes, etc.) away from cribs and playpens and out of children's reach. Children may injure themselves when climbing or be strangled.
- If young children live in your home, consider installing window guards on windows that are not required for emergency escape or rescue in a fire. Be aware that window guards must have easy release mechanisms so that they do not impede emergency escape and rescue.