Spring is officially here, bringing warmer weather and the urge to open windows for fresh air. But open windows can be dangerous for young children if proper precautions are not taken. To raise awareness, the Window Safety Task Force is urging parents, caregivers, and industry professionals to participate in Window Safety Week, observed this year from April 5–11.

“As we welcome the spring breeze and begin to open windows in our homes, the mission of the Window Safety Task Force remains the same – promoting window safety to create a safe environment for every child,” says Angela Dickson, Co-Chair of the Window Safety Task Force. “To prevent accidental falls, we need the help of everyone in our industry to share vital safety tips. Connect with the Window Safety Task Force on social media to access ready-to-share resources. The Task Force will post a new tip each day of Window Safety Week, and we ask you to reshare these resources that provide simple, life-saving knowledge your customers need.”

Each year, the Task Force emphasizes the importance of practicing window safety throughout the year. According to Safe Kids Worldwide’s 2015 Report to the Nation: Protecting Children in Your Home, about eight children under age five die annually from falling out of windows, while more than 3,300 children are seriously injured and require hospital care.

To help protect children, the Window Safety Task Force recommends:

• Keep windows closed and locked when young children are present.
• Use windows out of a child’s reach for ventilation.
• Avoid placing furniture near windows to prevent climbing.
• Discourage children from jumping on beds or furniture near windows.
• Do not rely on insect screens to prevent falls; they are designed to keep bugs out, not children in.
• Supervise children to keep their play away from windows, balconies, or patio doors.
• Install ASTM F2090-compliant devices that limit how far a window can open.

Fenestration and glazing industry professionals are encouraged to share these tips with their customers. Ready-to-use resources, including an infographic with key safety tips, are available for download and social media use.