Window Safety Week
The National Safety Council has declared this week (April 5 through April 11) National Window Safety Week. The purpose of of this week is to promote safety as it applies to windows, drawing attention to the many hazards which arise from somthing as normal as household windows. The main issues the council wants to focus on are preventing falls by children out open windows and keeping windows accessible for exits in case of fire. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the No. 1 cause of all non-fatal injuries to children.
In an effort to help the NCS out in drawing attention to these issues, I'd like to provide the following things to consider:
Falling Hazards
*Keep windows closed and locked when children are around to prevent them from falling out a window.
*Use higher windows if you must open one for temperature control or fresh air.
*Do not keep furniture near windows, as children can climb on it and use as access to open windows.
*Keep in mind that insect screens do not prevent children from falling out an open window.
*There is no substitute for adult supervision when children are playing at home.
Fire Safety
*Windows serve as the best secondary escape in a fire. Remember to teach children how to safely open and exit a window in case of a fire.
*Do not nail or paint your windows shut--check periodically to make sure they open properly.
*Do not install window air-conditioning units in windows that might be needed for escape in case of a fire.
Keeping children safe is every parent's top priority. That's why knowing how to make your windows safe is so important!
This announcement provided by the Anderson Law Firm--a personal injury law firm based in Fort Worth, Texas. We handle all types of personal injury claims, including those involving injuries to children. Please contact our office for a free consultation at 817-294-1900.
