Once your children are home, window safety is an area that usually needs extra attention for their sake. Our windows are such a vital part of our homes; they allow us fresh air, light and views of the outside world. In fact, almost 3,300 children under the age of five suffered serious injuries in falls through windows and another eight children died from it. These numbers are scary, but they’re easily reduced with just a few simple measures to keep windows secure and prevent accidents.
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Understanding the Risks
But first, we don’t want you to dive into securing windows without knowing about the risk that you are securing. Children are curious, naturally, and want to explore, and so it is common for children to climb, lean, and even play in or around windows. But, windows that are left open or accessible can be a deadly danger. We should mention that plenty of window screens aren't intended to stop kids from falling out.
Practical Safety Measures
Here is what you can do to make your children's environment safer with regard to windows. The steps are easy and inexpensive but very effective to prevent accidents.
1. Install Window Guards and Stops
Window guards or stops are one of the most effective ways of securing windows and preventing falls. These gadgets were made to confine just how much a window can open, stopping children from crawling or falling out. However some window guards, especially the type that come with a release mechanism which allows adults to remove them should an emergency occur, such as from a fire. But also make sure the window guards are secured fast to the window frame and meet standards for safety.
2. Keep Windows Closed and Locked
One of the simplest and best ways to keep children from falling out of windows is to keep windows closed and securely locked shut when no one’s using them. And this is one step that should turn into a habit, paying special attention to rooms children frequent the most. Any windows that open should have locks on them and be sure that the locks on these windows are childproof, difficult for little children to open. Preventing window accidents can be made so simple with a push button lock or pin lock.
3. Move Furniture Away from Windows
Often children will climb on furniture as they look around their environment. That bed, chair or table near a window is just too close for children to be able to reach up to open the window, and they might try and fall into it. The safest places for children to be appear not to be near windows – by moving furniture away from the window. Also be sure window accessible furniture is sturdy and will not tip over if a child climbs on it.
4. Use Cordless Window Coverings
Cords on window blinds, shades, curtains and window treatment devices can become strangulation hazards for children. The cords are prone to entangling children who are playing with either the cords, or even trying to put the blinds back on their own. In order to prevent this, choose cordless window coverings, or window coverings with very short secure cords that you can’t accidentally reach a child with.
5. Install Window Alarms
Window alarms are devices that let you know when your window is open, giving another layer of security and peace of mind. Most especially, windows in rooms where children are expected to play or sleep benefit greatly from these alarms. If you’re in another part of the house, it will sound an alarm when a window is opened. Accidents can be prevented before they happen, with this.
6. Teach Children About Window Safety
But just as important as it is to childproof your windows, it is important that you do the same with your children and educate them on the dangers of windows. First, begin teaching your kids therefore not to play close to windows, or climb on furniture near windows. You explain that while they get older they are at risk and why it is crucial to keep respecting the boundaries you’ve set so they are safe. If you have older children aware that windows are not toys and should be treated carefully.
7. Regularly Check Window Screens
And many parents think window screens are fail-safe. But window screens are not intended to prevent falling and a child can easily push out enough to fall through. Check your window screens regularly and make sure they are securely placed and are in good condition. Replacing a screen immediately if it is loose or damaged. Make sure all leftovers open for ventilation windows are secured with screens or guards. With ecoline windows, you won't have any reason to worry, but it's still worth double-checking.
8. Install Safety Netting
If you have windows that are too low to a ground or near to where your children play often, you probably would want to install safety netting as additional protection. Safety netting is there to be a barrier, so that kids don't fall out of the window. This is perfect for windows which are in places where there’s a lot of traffic or near balconies. It is made of netting with enough strength to handle a child’s weight, without being too distracting and getting in your way.
9. Be Mindful of Window Furniture
You might remember from earlier that furniture too close to windows can increase the risk of falls. Yet it’s not always as simple as moving furniture around. Think about the layout of the room and don't put large or heavy items near windows where they could fall or slide on to a child who tries to climb them. If you close to a window, and you have shelves, bookcases, or other heavy objects nearby, be sure you anchor them securely to the wall in case they might topple over.
Conclusion
These safety measures will help you a lot to reduce the chance of accidents related to windows in your home. Window safety is not a one and done, it is a process that needs to be checked repeatedly. So, with the right precautions, you can make your children a safe place to grow and explore.
