Spring Danger: Why Your Open Windows Can be Deadly
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Open windows can provide fresh air, but also present the potential for tragedy.
The National Safety Council had that in mind when they declared this week to be “National Window Safety Week.” Jane Robichaud of the Marlborough-based Guardian Angel Window Guards company has a few tips for parents this time of year.
“It’s important to keep children’s play away from open windows and doors for safety’s sake,” Robichaud said. “Avoid placing furniture, like beds, dressers or toy chests under windows in a child’s bedroom to help reduce the possibility of children climbing to an open window and falling.”
National Safety Council Tips
In addition to Robichaud’s tips, the National Safety Council has a few suggestions.
• Don’t allow children to jump on beds or other furniture, to help reduce potential falls.
• Do not lean on screens or rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall. Insect screens are simply designed to keep bugs out, not to keep children in the home.
• Supervise children to keep child’s play away from windows, balconies or patio doors.
• Install building code-compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open or window guards with quick-release mechanisms to help prevent a fall.
• Teach your child how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency.
Worcester Police Chief Weighs In
Here in Worcester, Police Chief Gary Gemme says that parents must be vigilant, not only in monitoring their children, but in educating them on the potential dangers of open windows. He agrees that placing some sort of barrier in the window is a good idea, and reminds residents that, while Worcester has had few incidents of children falling, the danger always exists.
“The danger of open windows and children falling out of them is a very relevant concern particularly in communities where multi-level housing exists. Having grown up in Worcester and lived on the second and third floors of three decker houses, I was made aware at an early age of the dangers of open windows. Many windows in older multi-family homes are low to the floor and an open window with or without a screen is always a potential invitation for a young child to lean out of or against.”
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