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CPSC warns parents of dangers of open windows for children (includes window safety tips) |
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Written by Angele Sionna, Early Childhood Parenting Examiner
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Thursday, 08 July 2010 |
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 The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning parents to be vigilant about keeping children away from open windows - screens or not. With energy prices up and the economy down, it seems more parents have been opening windows this summer because there are more kids accidentally falling out of them.
The CPSC reports that in recent weeks, several children have fallen from windows around the US.
"Window falls increase dramatically during the spring and summer months but they can be prevented," said Chrissy Cianflone, Director of Programs for Safe Kids USA. "It takes active supervision on the part of the parent or caregiver, and a device called a window guard. Screens are meant to keep bugs out, not kids in. Window guards are easy to install and have a release mechanism in the event of an emergency."
On average, about eight deaths occur yearly to children five years or younger while an estimated 3,300 children five and younger are treated each year in U.S. hospital emergency departments. Hospitalization was required for about 34 percent of these children after falling from a window, says the CPSC. This is why they rate windows as one of the "Top 5 Home Hazards."
The CPSC recommends the following safety tips:
- Safeguard your children by using window guards or window stops.
- Install window guards to prevent children from falling out of windows. (For windows on the 6th floor and below, install window guards that adults and older children can open easily in case of fire.)
- Install window stops so that windows open no more than 4 inches.
- Never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows.
- Whenever possible, open windows from the top -- not the bottom.
- Keep furniture away from windows, to discourage children from climbing near windows.
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