It isn't a big surprise, but children are more likely to be hurt after a fall from a home window. In fact, one out of every four children is hospitalized as a result of their injury. A study appearing in the September 2011 issue of Pediatrics, found that children 0 to 4 years of age were especially vulnerable, not only for a majority (65 percent) of the injuries, but also having a higher rate of serious injury resulting in hospitalization.
Window Safety Facts
- Window falls occur more frequently in large urban areas.
- Children living in multi-unit buildings have the highest number of window fall incidents.
- More window falls occur in the spring and summer than other seasons.
- Falls most frequently occur between noon and early evening, the most common playtime for children.
- More than 190 children fall from windows each year after gaining access to the window by climbing on furniture placed near the window.
Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to keep children from being injured from a window fall. One important precaution that can be taken is to install window guards and stops. Window guards secure into the sides of a window frame and have bars spaced no more than 4 inches apart. Window guards can be purchased at most home supply stores and come in varying sizes to fit most windows. When looking at guards be sure to evaluate how quickly and escape can occur in case of an emergency, while being difficult for young children to open. Window stops can be applied within the same window, which prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches.
How to Help Prevent Windows Falls
- Keep your windows closed and locked when children are around. If you do open a window for ventilation open ones that are out of the reach of children.
- Never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows.
- Keep furniture, or anything a child can climb, away from windows.
- Set and enforce rules about keeping children’s play away from windows.
- Most window falls occur when children are left alone.