Thinking about window safety

Kids falling out of upper-story windows is a tragic story we still hear from time to time. Various window groups have education intitatives in place to let homeowners and builders know how to prevent these incidents. The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance has proclaimed April 6 to 12 “Window Safety Week” and released the following information:

Spring is officially here, which means the Window Safety Task Force encourages parents and caregivers to recognize the importance of practicing window safety during Window Safety Week, being observed April 6-12. However, open windows any time of year can be dangerous for young children who are not properly supervised.

“Warmer weather presents us all with the opportunity to enjoy fresh air through open windows. However, it’s important for customers to have positive experiences with your products,” said Angela Dickson, Co-Chair of the Window Safety Task Force. “To avoid accidental falls, the Window Safety Task Force urges those in the fenestration industry to share window safety tips to keep children safe. Post tips on your website and share via social media to help spread the word. There is a safety tip for each day of the week, and these simple steps could save a life.”

Each year, the Window Safety Task Force takes the first full week in April to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of practicing window safety year-round. Annually, 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.*

To protect children, the Window Safety Task Force offers the following tips:
1. When young children are around, keep windows closed and locked.
2. When opening a window for ventilation, use those located out of a child’s reach.
3. Don’t place furniture near windows to prevent children from climbing to an open window.
4. Don’t allow children to jump on beds or other furniture to help reduce potential falls.
5. 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.
6. Supervise children to keep child’s play away from windows, balconies or patio doors.
7. Install ASTM F2090-compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open to help prevent a fall.

Visit the window safety sections of the FGIA and WDMA websites to learn more. Follow the Window Safety Task Force on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and updates on this important safety issue. An infographic providing window safety tips is also available for download and use on social media.