There is a reasonable expectation that a child should be safe within his/her own home and there is a reasonable expectation that any window capable of being opened, will be opened. In the U.S. 3,300 children age 6 and under fall from windows every year.  On average, 8 children die each year.  70% of falls are from second or third story windows. The following resources provides information about how to childproof second story (and higher) windows and keep children safe.

The Window Safety Task Force offers these suggestions to help protect children:

  • Teach children to play area away from windows
  • Teach caregivers and children that screens keep bugs out, but they do not keep children in
  • For any windows that are 6 feet or higher from the ground, install window stops or guards that meet ASTM standards – limiting windows to opening less than 4 inches
  • Keep windows closed and locked when not in use
  • Keep furniture or anything a child can climb away from windows
  • Always supervise children and ask about window safety when your child visits other homes
  • For a double-hung window on an upper floor, install a window guard or stop that keeps children from pushing the bottom window open
  • Lessen the potential impact of injury from a fall through strategic landscaping – use of wood chips, grass or shrubs beneath windows

Printable Window Safety Tips flyer

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/child-safety/window-safety

This is a local story:

https://www.safekids.org/video/thomas-and-becca-why-window-safety-matters and promotes https://www.stopat4.com/

https://www.nsc.org/Portals/0/Documents/NSCDocuments_Advocacy/Fact%20Sheets/Window_Safety_List.pdf

https://www.seattlechildrens.org/health-safety/keeping-kids-healthy/prevention/Prevent-Window-Falls/