Accidents Happen: Why Childproofing Windows Is Critical

2,200 children die every year from an injury in the home, reports SafeKids Worldwide. The same report reveals that more than 3,300 kids, ages five and younger, are injured every year from falling out of a window, and on average, eight kids die from window falls. While accidents can happen, many are preventable.

United Window Cleaning wants you to know that childproofing your windows is critical, not only for falls but for death and injuries related to window blinds and cords.

Window Locks Can Save Lives

Typically, your slider or double-hung windows have a built-in lock located on the rail in the center of the window, while casement windows will have locks along the side or bottom of the frame. When the windows are not open, keep them locked. Because kids are quick and clever, it can be beneficial for additional locks. Pin locks, slide locks, and keyed locks are options for increasing window safety for kids of all ages and even helping to deter intruders’ entry.

If adding locks to your windows, make sure family members know how to release the locks in the event an emergency escape is needed.

Double-Hung Windows For Child-Safety

Single-hung windows only open at their bottom, but the upper and lower sashes of a double-hung window open, and this feature can be a safety feature for a home with kids and pets. With a double-hung window, you can opt to open just the top sash. This allows air to flow in the top, but you can keep the bottom sash closed and locked to prevent children and pets from falling out. By keeping the bottom sash closed, it also can keep little fingers and hands safe from pinches and injuries.

Know the Hazards of Window Blinds

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that corded window coverings present a danger to young children. Data from the CPSC states:

• At least nine kids ages five and under die each year from strangulation via window blinds, shades, draperies, and other window coverings with cords.
• There were more than 200 strangulation incidents with kids, ages eight and under, from window covering cords from 2009 through 2021. Forty-eight percent of those children died as a result of their injuries.

One of the best ways to avoid window blind injuries with children is to eliminate the hazard.

• Shorten the cords as much as possible.
• Anchor continuous loop cords to the floor or wall.
• Choose integrated window blinds to eliminate dangling cords.
• Move cribs, children’s beds, dressers, bookcases, chairs, and other items kids can climb on away from windows and cords.

Utilize Available Window Safety Features

Locks are critical, but sometimes another safety item is needed. A window wedge can be used as a child-proofing feature and safety solution. Window wedges restrict the opening of the window, and are adjustable and easy to use. There are several window wedge products available. Charley bars are ideal for sliding doors, helping to prevent intruders from pushing open the door from the outside and kids, as well as pets, from sliding the door open from the inside.

United Window Cleaning recommends evaluating all your home windows for safety and security. When it’s time for their routine cleaning, we’re here for you. Contact us to schedule your window cleaning appointment.