“I fall really, really far.” That’s what Dylan Hayes, age 4, had to say in March after he fell out of a window three stories off the ground. The Colorado child is fortunate to have landed on his feet and only required an overnight stay at a local hospital.
Dylan’s mother had moved the couch closer to her apartment window in order to shampoo her carpets. Unfortunately, that’s one of the big “no-no’s” for parents with young children. Having any kind of furniture near windows can be a dangerous situation.
When it comes to windows, homeowners need to be vigilant in making sure that children understand the importance of safety. As part of National Window Safety Week, April 7-13, 2013, the experts at Simonton Windows recommend parents of youngsters adopt an extremely cautious attitude with children and the windows in their home.
“Children should be taught at a young age to stay away from windows for their own safety,” says Gary Pember, vice president of marketing for Simonton Windows. “Parents can help safeguard children in the home by keeping furniture (including cribs) and anything else a child can climb on, away from windows. And, if your home has Double Hung windows, open only the top part of the window that children cannot reach, to allow for ventilation.”
Pember offers these timely tips for window safety in the home:
- Tip #1 – Remember the primary purpose of a window screen is to keep insects outside. Never push on screens, as they will not support the weight of a child or family pet.
- Tip #2 – Lock windows when not in use to protect against intruders and make it more difficult for curious young children to open windows.
- Tip #3 – Do not paint or nail windows shut. Every window in the home that is designed to be opened should be operational in case of an emergency.
- Tip #4 – Refrain from nailing or attaching decorative lights to the interior or exterior of window frames.
- Tip #5 – Plant shrubs or grass, and place “soft landscaping” like bark or mulch, directly underneath windows to help lessen the impact should someone accidently fall out of a window.