Another Reason to Keep Your Windows Closed

When someone mentions window safety, you probably think about all the articles you have read that instruct you to keep your windows closed and locked so that a burglar can’t get in. This is absolutely a great technique to include in your overall home security system. Windows are often neglected by homeowners when it comes to their security system. They take great care to lock and secure their doors, but they don’t think about their windows. As such, it is good to get a reminder to lock your windows at all times of the day or night.

However, there is another danger associated with windows that you should think about, particularly if you have young kids. Nearly 5,000 children fall out of windows each year. Of those 5,000, 18 are killed. You might not know it, but as the weather gets warmer and you are tempted to leave your windows open, you are inviting a tragedy to visit your home. Fortunately, some of the same techniques you use to protect your home from burglars can be used to keep your kids safe.

Do not assume that a screen is going to keep your child from falling out of a window. Screens are not strong enough to withstand a child’s weight and will give way with even the smallest amount of pressure.

If you do need to open a window and you have double hung windows, you should never raise it more than four inches so that your child cannot fit through the opening. You can easily put a window stop above the window to keep it from opening any further.

All windows that can be reached by children should be equipped with child window guards. These will keep your kids from opening the windows, but will open easily by an adult if you have to get out in an emergency.

Do not place chairs or tables beneath a window since children are climbers and will view furniture as a minor obstacle in their way of getting out of the window. You should also not have anything nearby that the children could move under the window.

Outside underneath windows, make sure the ground is soft and not full of rocks or made of concrete. You will want to plant grass or another soft material under the windows to cushion a child if he or she falls.

Windows are nice to have because they allow you to look outside. However, they can also be very dangerous to children, so make sure they are as secure as possible.