Every year during the first week of April, the Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council talks about how to raise awareness for window safety. Known as National Window Safety Week, this week was set aside in order to provide information on what can be done in order to prevent window falls and how windows can be used properly as escape routes in the event of an emergency.
At least 3,300 accidents per year happen in the United States that are related to falls from windows. National Window Safety Week aims to reduce that number by educating homeowners and caregivers about window safety. This year, window safety week runs from April 4-10. As a window company ourselves, Peak Windows is passionate about not just providing our clients with high quality windows, but also educating them about safety measures.
Keep reading to learn more about why National Window Safety Week began and tips you can use to keep yourself and your loved ones safe around windows all year round.
Why National Window Safety Week Began
National Window Safety Week was set for this time of year because this is when homeowners are starting to itch to open up their windows and let in some of that fresh spring air. However, too many people take window safety for granted. This is a mistake. Either through not properly maintaining their windows or through not exercising proper care around windows, windows can go from a beautiful part of your home that lets in natural light and fresh air to something that lets in pollution and insects and can lead to accidents.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states that approximately 8 children who are 5 years old or younger die annually after falling from a window. Too many people assume that insect screens can prevent falls or do not teach their children how to behave safely around windows, which can lead to disaster. Hence, in 1997, the National Safety Council started the Window Safety Task Force in order to spread awareness and educate about proper window safety.
How To Observe National Window Safety Week
Here are some of the tips that the National Safety Council urges homeowners and caregivers to utilize all year round so that you can enjoy your windows and avoid any tragic accidents or falls. Although National Window Safety Week is a good annual reminder of the things we can do in order to safely enjoy our windows, education about window safety shouldn’t be limited to this week. We recommend ongoing window safety education all year round.
- Keep your windows closed and locked when young children are around.
- When you open a window to let fresh air in, open the ones out of your child’s reach – for instance, the upper sash of a double-hung window.
- Keep furniture away from windows. If it is placed close to a window, children will be tempted to climb on it, which could result in a fall.
- Discourage children from jumping on furniture, especially if it is close to a window, as this could result in falls.
- Don’t expect insect screens to keep your children safe. They are designed to keep insects out, not to prevent a fall. They can very easily break or come out.
- Ensure that playtime is supervised and that your children aren’t playing near windows or doors, especially not ones that they could fall out of.
- Encourage your children to play as close to the center of the room, away from all the windows and doors, as possible.
- Install code-compliant devices that are designed to limit how far a window will open or window guards (with quick-release mechanisms in case of fire) to help prevent a fall.
- Educate your children about proper window safety and how to use windows as escape routes in the event of an emergency.
- Don’t install AC units in windows that could need to be used as an escape route in an emergency, as this would block or slow down the escape.
- Consider planting shrubbery or having soft edging put down underneath your windows so that if someone does fall, the impact is lessened.
- Use #WindowSafetyWeek or #NWSW to follow on social media.
If you need help with window safety or advice, we recommend that you read more on the National Safety Council Website. Our trained professionals can also provide you with safety tips. Here at Peak Windows, we’re very experienced in everything window-related and know just how crucial window safety is for the health and safety of you and your loved ones as well as the security of your home. Contact us to learn more.