Window Safety

In the winter months when most windows are not in use, always have your windows locked. Periodically check to see if the lock mechanism is working properly. During the months when the windows are opened to provide fresh air, especially in the children’s bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as accessible windows on the second (third, etc.) floor, windows should be secured, and if unlocked, should either have a window barrier - installed (Window Guards or G20 Stairway Gate) or should be limited to open no more than 4”. With either recommendation, it is important that these safety precautions can be quickly disengaged in case of a fire. WINDOW SCREENS WILL NOT PREVENT A CHILD FROM FALLING OUT! Never assume a window screen is an adequate safety device preventing a child from falling or climbing out of a window. Windows less than 18” above the floor should be safety glass- if not, they should either be replaced with tempered glass or have safety film installed on the window pane. Note: If home was built prior to 1978, you should test windows and mouldings for lead in paint. Described below are the basic types of windows and window treatments: Double hung windows are windows that have two sliding window panes that can be opened either on the top or bottom. Casement windows are windows that swing open by turning the corresponding handle. These window should be locked at all times with top lever latch of window. In addition handles should be removed if child shows interest in them. Window blind cords should be secured and located out of child’s reach. Cutting off tassels or break-away tassels does not remove the hazard, because the cord can get twisted preventing breakaway tassels from operating, and a child can wrap the cord around their head or neck. Remove linking chains on vertical blinds as they may pose a choking hazards. Many vertical blinds have the blind cord pulley mounted to the window frame or sill. We recommend relocating the pulley out of your child’s reach.