Quaker Safety
Tips for Year-Round Window Safety
The Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council encourages parents and caregivers to recognize the importance of practicing window safety year-round. It is especially nice to open the windows and let the warm breeze flow throughout your home at the first signs of warmer weather. Unfortunately, when you have children, these open windows can pose a serious health risk.
Each year in the US, window falls account for approximately 12 deaths and more than 5,000 injuries to children ten and younger. That’s why, at Quaker, we recognize the importance of considering several factors in regards to putting safety first when it comes to kids and windows.
“It only takes seconds for a preventable window fall to occur,” said Becky Turpin, Director of Home & Community Safety for the National Safety Council. “To avoid these needless tragedies, it is very important for parents and caregivers to take steps to prevent home falls.”
To protect children, the Window Safety Task Force offers the following tips:
- When young children are around, keep windows closed and locked.
- When opening a window for ventilation, use those located out of a child’s reach.
- Avoid placing furniture near windows to prevent young children from climbing and gaining access to an open window.
- Don’t allow children to jump on beds or other furniture to help reduce potential falls.
- Don’t rely on screens to prevent a window fall. They are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep children in the home.
- Supervise children to keep child’s play away from windows, balconies or patio doors.
- Install ASTM F2090 compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open or window guards (with quick-release mechanisms in case of fire or other emergency) to help prevent a fall.
- Teach your child how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency, such as a fire.
About the Window Safety Task Force
The Window Safety Task Force was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety. The task force is comprised of members representing the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA), the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and the Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) in cooperation with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and other organizations, as well as manufacturers of windows, doors and screens. The National Safety Council saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes, communities and on the roads, through leadership, research, education and advocacy.About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas that can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.
Quaker Windows & Doors is committed to safety and reminds all homeowners to check local codes regarding egress and WOCDs. For more information on window safety, contact the National Safety Council or visit their website at www.nsc.org as well as the window safety sections of the FGIA and WDMA websites to learn more.
* According to Safe Kids Worldwide’s 2015 Report to the Nation: Protecting Children in Your Home
