Why Window Safety is Even More Important During the Summer Months
By Melissa Moog, founder of Itsabelly.com, a Child Proofing Company
School is out and kids will spend more time at home during the summer. This means on warmer days families tend to open their windows to cool down the house and window safety should be a priority. For families with babies and young children it is critical to understand what window safety is all about and how to prevent your child from injury and possibly death.
It is becoming more evident from the number of accidents that teaching parents about window safety is critical. According to the latest Oregon Trauma Registry Data there were 89 children ages 0-5 that fell from windows in Oregon during 2009 and 2010. Most of the falls were from second-story windows. The majority of children survived, although two died from their injuries. Two and three year old children had the highest number of injuries.
From this data it is easy to tell that anyone with a child 5 years old and under should place importance on window safety especially during the warmer summer months when windows are open. Itsabelly offers child proofing services in the Portland Metro Area and installs window guards as well as locks. So, we wanted to share our top window safety tips to help educate parents and protect their children from danger not only during the summer but all year round.
Itsabelly’s Top Window Safety Tips:
- Keep furniture away from windows to prevent children from climbing and falling hazards.
- Window screens are meant to keep bugs out but not keep children in.
- Never leave the window open more than 4 inches. Use window stops and guards that can be removed by an adult in an emergency.
- Use window guards on windows that you want to leave open and window locks on windows you want to keep closed.
- Shorten all blind cords on windows so that your child is protected from strangulation.
- Enforce rules with children to not play near windows. Falling through glass can be fatal or cause serious injury.
- If you need to open windows, open windows that children can’t reach.
- If using window guards or locks make sure there is a quick release incase of a fire emergency.
For questions or to schedule a child proofing appointment with Itsabelly please call our office at #503-297-5326. Or email info@itsabelly.com. Website: http://www.itsabelly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsabelly. All FHM members will receive 10% off our child proofing assessment services by mentioning the code “FHM10”.