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Home | Window Safety
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Guidelines
to Proper Window Safety
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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.
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