April 3 – 9 is National Window Safety Week so do a check of all your windows at home to prevent accidental falls or injuries. Also keep in mind that windows serve as emergency exits – so as you do your check, consider the following tips:
•Â Keep furniture like beds or dressers away from windows. Furniture placed directly under a window can create an enticement for a child to climb and the potential to fall.
•Â Keep children’s play away from windows, doors and balconies to help prevent an accidental fall or injury.
•Â Remember, insect screens are designed to provide ventilation and to keep insects out, NOT to prevent falls. For added safety in children’s bedrooms, consider installing window guards or window fall prevention devices that meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
• Window treatments with traditional cords can contribute to childhood injuries. For added protection, choose blinds and shades with no room-side cords like Pella® Designer Series® windows and patio doors, which feature between-the-glass blinds, shades and decorative panels. Pella 350 Series patio doors also offer between-the-glass blinds or shades with no room-side cords.
•Â Plant soft shrubs like boxwoods under exterior windows that might be used as an emergency escape route to help soften a fall.
• While spring cleaning, do a “clutter sweep” and remove tripping hazards near window, doors or balconies.
Do not allow children to jump on beds, especially ones near windows.