Window Safety
When it comes to the safety of our children, no precaution can be too small. As parents, we strive to create a secure environment for our little ones to thrive and explore. While we often focus on childproofing our homes, one aspect that should not be overlooked is securing windows.
Did you Know?
- According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year around 3,300 children under the age of 6 experience falls from windows.
- On average, one of every three children, about 34 percent, required hospitalization after falling from a window.
- Most of these falls are preventable
Small Steps to Save A Life
- Install sturdy Window Guards (metal or plastic grilles) that cover the lower portion of windows to prevent accidental falls. Choose guards that comply with safety regulations and have a quick-release feature for emergencies. Install guards in all areas of your home, including bedrooms, living rooms, and play areas.
- Utilize Window Locks or Latches: Window stops are devices that restrict how far a window can open. They are particularly useful for windows that are located on higher floors or in areas where children spend time. Window stops allow for ventilation while preventing children from pushing the window open wide enough to create a safety hazard.
- Set up the window alarms – Look for alarms that have loud, attention-grabbing sounds, ensuring that they can alert you instantly if a window is opened or tampered with.
Check out our recommended Window Guards:
Delmoar Fixed Window Safety Guard
- Typically used on vertical windows only, Made of steel material
- Non-egress (not for use in rooms where emergency exits are not present)
- Available in 3 sizes (14″x38″, 19″x38″, 19″x54″), comes in 1 pc or bundle set
- What Parents Say: “Thought it was going to be some cheap aluminum but it’s some heavy duty steel!! Easy to install, perfect for some extra security on your windows” – Kobe
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Fairy Baby Window Guards
- Easy installation, pressure mounted type of guard, Made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene material
- Can be mounted horizontally or vertically
- Available in 4 panel sizes and budles (1 Pc (31.49″-36.22″), 2 Pcs (36.22″-61.41″), 3 Pcs (61.41″-86.61″), 4 Pcs (87.4″-112.2″)
- What Parents Say: “Easy to install. Peace of mind when the grandkids are sleeping over” – Mike
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Waowao Window Safety Guards
- Easy installation, pressure mounted type of guard, Made of metal material
- Suitable for flat window, fixed window, bay window, sliding window, removable sliding window
- Available in 4 sizes (31.50 “-36.22”, 36.22 “-61.42”, 61.42 “-86.61″, 86.61″-118.10”)
- What Parents Say: “At first, I was skeptical that these would not slip out of the window sill, but I couldn’t be happier with these.” – Moonshine Mama
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Check out our Recommended Windows Locks:
Kongnai Sliding Door Lock for Child Safety
- Best for vertical windows and sliding glass doors
- What Parents Say: “This works perfect for our 1-year-old son. It’s safe to use” – David
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Eudemon Window Stopper
- Best for swinging and casement window
- What Parents Say: “Great product that requires no screws. The VHB tape hold is the strongest double sided tape hold i’ve seen” – K and N
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Window Wedge Stopper (2 Pack)
- Best for double hung, single hung and horizontal sliding windows
- What Parents Say: “When you want the window opened fully. I initially bought them for a bit more peace of mind for my 1st story windows, but will now use them for my kids.” – Ranger
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ZRFCXE Window Locks (4 sets)
- Best for vertical windows
- What Parents Say: “The product attached securely to each sliding mechanism on the windows. The added security is a nice addition to my daughter’s room” – DL
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Cutesafety Child Proof Safety Locks (6 Packs)
- Best for horizontal windows; Multiuse strap good for cabinets and drawers too
- What Parents Say: “Really awesome product and really happy I found it.” – Angela
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Check out our Recommended Window Alarms:
Voxon Personal Security Door and Window Alarm Sensor
- Multipurpose alarm, perfect for all type of windows and doors
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QWORK MC-31 Magnetic Door Window (Pack of 10)
- Perfect for magnetic window
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Eva Logic Window Alarm Vibration Sensor (4 Packs)
- Perfect for sliding windows
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Exploring Other Strategies for Window Safety
Keep Furniture Away from Windows: Children are naturally curious and love to climb. To prevent accidents, keep furniture, such as beds, cribs, and bookshelves, away from windows.. Regularly check the placement of furniture in your home and make sure it is positioned safely, away from windows.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect your windows for any signs of wear or damage. Check for loose frames, broken glass, or malfunctioning locks. Repair or replace any faulty components promptly to maintain the integrity and safety of your windows. Additionally, ensure that screens are securely in place to prevent insects from entering the house while allowing fresh air to circulate.
Teach Window Safety: Educating your children about window safety is vital. Teach them the potential dangers associated with playing near windows and emphasize that windows are not to be used as a play area. Encourage them to inform an adult if they see a window open or notice any unsafe behavior.
Supervision and Monitoring: While taking precautionary measures is crucial, nothing beats active supervision. Keep an eye on your children, especially when they are playing near windows. Avoid leaving young children unattended in rooms with open windows, even if window guards are installed. It only takes a moment for an accident to happen, so stay vigilant and prioritize their safety.
Emergency Preparedness: In case of an emergency, it’s important to have an evacuation plan in place. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to open windows and escape safely in the event of a fire or other emergency situations. Practice emergency drills regularly to ensure that everyone is familiar with the procedures and can act quickly if needed.
The National Safety Council along with the Consumer Product Safety Council, SafeKids Worldwide, and the International Code Council, has designated the first full week in April as Window Safety Week. Their goal is to raise awareness about window safety issues encouraging families to increase window safety in the homes to prevent injuries and create safe emergency escape routes. But you don’t have to wait until April to make sure that your windows work for your safety, rather than against it.
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