You may not realize it, but windows are ranked as one of the top five hidden home hazards, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Falls from windows in particular are very common. A report by SafeKids Worldwide says that eight children under the age of five die and more than 3,300 are injured every year from window falls.
Window Safety Tips
If you have small kids in the house, heed these window safety tips to prevent an unfortunate accident. If there are young children in the house, it is best to keep all windows locked and closed.
- Don’t position furniture under windows: Kids love to climb, so place dressers, beds and other pieces of furniture well away from windows.
- Be careful with screens: While screens are great for allowing fresh air in and keeping bugs out, they offer no protection against curious children who push on them. Only open windows that are well out of reach of the little ones.
- Install safety devices such as window stops and window guards to prevent falls. Window stops only allow the window to be opened to a certain point; window guards cover the window completely and feature quick-release mechanisms in case of emergency.
- Educate your kids on window safety: Tell them how to be safe around windows and tell them to avoid playing on fire escapes, roofs, or balconies. Make sure they know the dangers associated with climbing out of windows or jumping from them.
- Keep windows and doors locked when young children are present.
- Only use windows out of reach if you have to open one for ventilation.
Know the Strangulation Risks
Loose or looped blinds and cords are a strangulation risk to children. According to the CPSC, eight children die every year when becoming entangled in a window covering cord. Be sure to install only cordless window coverings or those that have inaccessible cords if you have young children in the home.
Windows in an Emergency
Windows aren’t all dangerous. In fact, they can save lives when utilized as an emergency escape route. Building codes require that bedrooms and other sleeping areas must feature a secondary means of escape in the event of smoke or a fire, and that’s often a window. But those windows must also be safe and accessible.
Follow these tips from the Window Safety Task Force when it comes to protecting your family:
- Come up with a home fire escape plan that incorporates two exits from every room (door and a window).
- Practice this plan regularly, during the day and night.
- Practice opening and closing any windows that are designated as emergency exits.
- Choose an alternate exit route if the window cannot open or doesn’t break (as in the case of hurricane impact resistant glass).
- Know the emergency escape and rescue building code requirements in your area when remodeling your home; egress windows should be large enough to get out of or for rescue worker entry.
Contact Amazing Exteriors for Quality Window Replacement
We take safety very seriously here at Amazing Exteriors, offering quality windows and expert installation for the safest and most precise fit possible. Contact us for a free quote on our Infinity by Marvin® replacement windows.
