As spring arrives, the Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council encourages parents and caregivers to recognize the importance of practicing window safety during Window Safety Week, being observed April 7-13. However, open windows any time of year can be dangerous for young children who are not properly supervised.

“It only takes seconds for a preventable window fall to occur,” said Becky Turpin, Director, Home & Community Safety, at the National Safety Council. “To avoid these needless tragedies, it is very important for parents and caregivers to take steps to prevent home falls.”

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

Falls from a window can result in serious injury or death and pose an especially dangerous threat for children. Every year, 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 and gaining access to an open window.
3. Avoid placing furniture near windows to prevent young children from climbing.
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 or window guards (with quick-release mechanisms in case of fire or other emergency) to help prevent a fall.
8. Teach your child how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency, such as a fire.

Visit nsc.org/windowsafetytaskforce, as well as the window safety sections of the AAMA and WDMA websites to learn more. Follow the Window Safety Task Force on Twitter and Facebook for more tips and updates on this important safety issue.

*According to Safe Kids Worldwide’s 2015 Report to the Nation: Protecting Children in Your Home

About the Window Safety Task Force

The Window Safety Task Force was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety. The task force is comprised of members representing the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and the Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) in cooperation with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and other organizations, as well as manufacturers of windows, doors and screens. The National Safety Council saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes, communities and on the roads, through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

More information about AAMA and its activities can be found via the AAMA website.