Open windows hazardous for small children

This article was originally published August 8, 2012

As the temperature increases so does the risk of children falling from windows.

The stories are very much the same -- a child falls from a second story window; the screen gave way or “popped out”.

(See Toddler survives two story)

Six times last week fire department crews throughout Snohomish County responded to reports of toddlers falling from windows. All were transported by paramedics to trauma centers, where fortunately they were to survive with non life-threatening injuries.

Each year approximately 18 children across the United States die from window fall-related injuries and an estimated 4,700 children are sent to hospital emergency rooms.

Safe Kids offers the following tips for parents and caregivers to prevent windows falls:

• Do not depend on window screens to prevent children from falling.

Screens can easily give way with less than 5 pounds of pressure. They are designed to keep bugs out, not children in.

• Move chairs, cribs, beds and other furniture away from windows.

Children can fall from windows opened as little as 5 inches.

• Consider installing window locks or window guards. 

Window locks can be easily installed and be removed quickly in case of a fire. They can be found at your area hardware store for around $5 for a pack of two. For a more permanent solution you can also install a Window Guard which can be found at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-US locations.

More information on preventing window falls and other home safety tips.