Window safety 101

Every year, about eight children younger than 6 die – and 3,300 are treated in emergency rooms – after falling from a window, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

In 1997, the National Safety Council, along with other safety advocates and some window industry professionals, created the Window Safety Task Force to spread awareness and help prevent injuries.

Tips include:

• Keep windows closed and locked when kids are nearby.
• Make sure kids can’t reach open windows.
• Keep furniture – especially sofas, beds and cribs – away from windows.
• For double-hung windows, open the top sash for ventilation but keep the bottom sash closed.
• Install ASTM-approved devices that prevent a window from opening more than a few inches.
• Look at all shades and blinds. Make sure the product has no cords on the front, side or back.
• Prevent access to loose cords. Cordless blinds and shades are available.
• If blinds or shades have looped bead chains or nylon cords, keep the cord tight with tension devices.