Windows are great; they let in natural light and during the warmer months, fresh air. And while windows are an essential safety feature, they’re also hazardous, especially if you have young children in your home.
According to the National Safety Council, more than 3,300 children visit the hospital each year due to injuries caused from falling out of a window. With preparation, these injuries are avoidable. Here are 5 tips to help you keep children safe in your home:
- Keep windows closed and locked when children are in the home. Screens are great at keeping bugs out, but they will not keep children in.
- Keep a close eye on young children at all times and make sure their play area is away from windows.
- If there are children living in the home, consider installing approved limited-opening hardware. These small devices make opening the window child-proof, only allowing the window to open a few inches should a child push on it, while still retaining full-opening capabilities for adults.
- Avoid placing furniture near windows to deter children from climbing and potentially falling through.
- Be wary of cords hanging from windows and window fixtures to avoid strangulation. Make sure your cords are tucked away and out of reach or look for cordless window coverings.
In addition to mitigating falling risks, it’s also important that your family is prepared for emergencies and knows how to use windows as a safe escape route in case of a fire.
- Create and practice emergency preparedness plans with everyone in the household, including children.
- Teach older children how to unlock and open windows and how to exit appropriately in case of emergency.
Following these simple tips is an easy way to keep you and your family safe.
