ALL ABOUT WINDOW SAFETY

Thank you for viewing our video. Besides never relying on window screens to hold children and pets in, there are many other things to consider regarding window safety for families. Please see below for some printable resources and additional important information from the National Safety Council regarding the following:

  • Open Windows
  • Window Coverings
  • Emergency Exits

OPEN WINDOWS

Windows rank as one of the top five hidden hazards in the home. Falls from windows are more common than people might think. According to a report by SafeKids Worldwide, an average of eight children age 5 and younger die and more than 3,300 are injured each year from falling out of windows.

The Window Safety Task Force offers these tips to help protect children from accidental window falls:

  • When young children are around, keep windows closed and locked.
  • When opening a window for ventilation, use those located out of a child's reach.
  • Supervise children to keep child's play away from windows, balconies or patio doors.
  • Avoid placing furniture near windows to prevent young children from climbing and gaining access to an open window.
  • Don't allow children to jump on beds or other furniture to help reduce potential falls.
  • 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.
  • Install ASTM F2090 compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open or window guards (with quick-release mechanisms in case of fire or other emergencies) to help prevent a fall.
  • Teach your child how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency, such as a fire.

WINDOW COVERINGS

Corded Window Coverings Can Cause Strangulation. Loose or looped window covering cords pose a strangulation risk to children. According to the CPSC, about eight children die each year after becoming entangled in a window covering cord.

EMERGENCY EXITS

A Window Could be Your Lifeline in an Emergency. Windows can save lives when used as emergency escape routes. According to most residential building codes, bedrooms and other sleeping areas must have a secondary means of escape in case of fire or smoke, and that exit is often a window. Just having windows designated for escape is not enough; they also must be safe and accessible.

The Window Safety Task Force offers the following tips to help protect your family:

  • Create a home fire escape plan that includes two exits from every room in your home, through a door and a window.
  • Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at night, as many home fires occur at night.
  • Practice opening and closing windows that may be designated as emergency exits.
  • Attempt to open a window first, rather than break the glass, if you must exit through it in an emergency.
  • Open the window to escape or choose another exit route if your home features windows with impact-resistant glass, like that used in some hurricane-prone areas.
  • When remodeling your home, understand emergency escape and rescue (egress) building code requirements. Egress windows are those designated by code as large enough for you to escape through or for rescue workers to enter in emergency situations.
  • If you equip windows in your home with window guards or fall prevention devices, use those that comply with ASTM F2090, which utilizes quick-release mechanisms.

DOWNLOAD THESE HELPFUL RESOURCES

WINDOW SAFETY TIPS FLYER

A one-sheet illustrated guide to window safety.

WINDOW SAFETY ACTIVITY BOOK FOR KIDS

A 16-page booklet that includes puzzles, games, and coloring pages designed to teach children about window safety in a fun and engaging way.

CLICK HERE to return to our Window Safety Video.

Thank you and be safe!
The FlexScreen Team