Window Safety
It is very upsetting to hear about the news of a child getting injured or killed by falling out of a window. Our hearts ache for the child’s parents and we worry about the safety of our own children.

Most tragic falls are preventable.

However, between 1990 and 2000, records from 15 children’s hospitals across Canada show 362 children ended up in emergency wards after falling from windows. In 2007—in Toronto alone—10 children either have tumbled out of windows or from balconies.

In the USA the numbers are even higher. With about 12 children 10 years old and younger dying each year, and more than 4,000 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for window fall-related injuries.

To keep your children safe, in addition to close supervision, you should also:

• DON'T allow children to play near windows, balconies or decks unsupervised
• DON'T keep furniture or other climbing hazards near windows or on balconies and decks
• DON'T underestimate a child's mobility. Children begin climbing before they can walk
• DON'T rely on screens as safety devices. Screens keep bugs out - not children in
• DON'T underestimate how quickly young children can learn. Children may be able to unlock doors and windows to gain access to dangerous areas without you realizing it

· DO educate children about risks and dangers associated with windows and balconies
· DO install and maintain window and door safety devices
· DO ensure that safety devices have emergency release mechanisms so that they do not impede emergency escape or rescue
· DO complete a safety check with your child's caregiver to ensure they understand potential

Safety devices included:
Window locks – which like baby cupboard locks should keep your child from opening the window.

Window stops or wedge – which should stop windows from opening more than 4 inches. The main downside to using these is that you will have to leave the windows mostly shut when your children are around.

Window guard or gate – which allows you to place bars across the open space of a window. The upside to using these is that you can open the windows and not have to worry about your child falling through them.

You could use a combination of the two methods, installing window guards on a few windows that you often open for ventilation and locks or stops on the other windows that you usually keep closed.

Window and door safety devices should be available at your local hardware, safety, or child specialty stores.

For more information and printable colouring pages and games to help you teach your children about window safety please visit The Partners Promoting Window and Balcony Safety website at www.windowandbalconysafety.ca

Labels: Children, safety, Window Safety

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