CPSC Issues Warning About Falls from Windows

Linda Snyder

Contributor

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One of the joys of warmer weather after a long winter is the pleasure of opening your windows to let in the fresh spring breezes. But, letting in that fresh air can lead to tragedy in households with small children.

Since April 2008, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has monitored media reports of at least 18 small children falling through windows including two deaths. Most of these deaths and injuries occured when the child pushed against a window screen or climbed onto furniture next to an open window.

From 2002 to 2004, CPSC has received an average of 25 reports per year of fatalities due to falls from windows. Children under the age of five account for about one-third of these fatalities and more males, across all age groups, account for more deaths than females.

The CPSC offers these tips to keep your children safe from falls from window:

Safeguard your children by using window guards or window stops.

• Install window guards to prevent children from falling out of windows. (For windows on the 6th floor and below, install window guards that adults and older children can open easily in case of fire.)
• Install window stops so that windows open no more than 4 inches.

Never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows.

Whenever possible, open windows from the top -- not the bottom.

Keep furniture away from windows, to discourage children from climbing near windows.