WHAT
YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT . . .
CHILDPROOFING
WINDOWS
In
warm weather when our windows are open to the sights, sounds and fragrances of
summer children may climb onto furniture or window sills and lean against
screens to get a closer look at the world. Although window screens will not
support the weight of a child who pushes against them, there are safety devices
you can install that will help prevent falls.
TYPES AND
STYLES OF WINDOW SAFETY PRODUCTS
Window
Guards
Window
Guards offer the best protection for young children and can be found in a
variety of styles and colors. They prevent entry or exit while allowing you to
keep your windows open. Best suited for traditional style, double-hung windows,
they are recommended for windows above ground level. Window
guards are designed to fit windows from approximately 14" to 58"
in width. If you have crank-style or sliding windows, you’ll need window
guards designed specifically for these windows. When selecting and installing window
guards, remember to:
- Select
child-safe window
guards and not those designed for security purposes since the spacing
between bars is designed to protect tots from falls.
- Designate
one window for fire escape and install a window device that will allow exit
in an emergency.
Window
Latches and Locks
Window
latches and locks
are available in many different styles. They are designed to prevent windows
from being pushed opened beyond a set distance (4" is the maximum
child-safe distance).
Safety
Products for Window Blinds
One
solution to childproof blind cords is to simply cut the cords so they are out of
your child’s reach. You can also use a cord
wrap/cord cleat which screws into the window frame and lets you manually
wrap the excess cord around it. With extra-long cords, two cord
wraps can be installed approximately 4 inches apart for quicker, easier
wrapping. Another popular solution is an item that automatically spools the
extra cord inside a plastic case by just pushing a button. Here
are a few safety tips that will also help prevent injuries:
- Be sure
to designate one window as an emergency exit in case of fire and install a
window guard that can be easily removed by an adult if necessary on this
window.
- If you
have traditional-style, double hung windows, make a habit of opening them
from the top. Keep the bottoms locked with a device that your child cannot
open, or install a safety device that will not allow windows to be pushed
open beyond a safe distance.
- If you
have crank-style windows, you can remove the cranks so children cannot open
the windows.
- Keep your
window areas clear. This will help prevent tots from climbing on furniture,
toys and other items to reach windows.
- Check all
blind cords to make sure they are out of your child's reach.
DOS AND
DON'TS -
THE PROPER USE OF WINDOW SAFETY PRODUCTS
·
DO
examine
window areas carefully to make sure that children cannot climb on furniture and
place themselves in danger.
·
DO
check all your windows and secure any dangling cords from blinds.
·
DO
install
window
guards if you plan on opening windows during the warm weather.
·
DO
select
child-safe
window guards and not those designed for security purposes.
·
DON'T
rely
on window screens to prevent falls from windows. They cannot hold the weight of
a child who pushes against them.
·
DON'T
place
furniture near windows as this offers easy access for young children.
·
DON'T
leave
your child unattended, or rely on any safety item to keep your child safe.
The
information given and the products referred to can reduce the likeliness of
injury and are intended to help you provide a safer environment for your child.
The effectiveness of suggested products depends on proper installation and use.
There is no replacement for adult supervision.
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