Window Safety Week

As we noticed in the last month we went from sunny spring like weather to rainy downpours, to a little snow in the higher elevations. The weather in NW Oregon is unpredictable at best. Yet soon enough the sunshine will return and when it does we'll be opening our windows more, seems safe enough? Not always, this week is National Window Safety Week . It may seem like there is a week for just about every safety topic, but the risk is very real for the little ones in our homes when it comes to falling from upstairs windows.

There are literally hundreds of news articles online from across the nation that talk about a child falling from a window. These accidents can happen so quickly and often times, result in serious injuries or sadly, death. So as I look out my office window this morning and see dark clouds rolling across the coast range and wet pavement on Ash Street I cant help but think that, believe it or not, now before spring returns is the right time to check the windows in the family home. If you have little kids that live in your home, or even if you occasionally have them over (grandparents, relatives, or those who babysit) we offer these tips to help you:

• Avoid placing furniture near windows, this will prevent kids from climbing to within reach of the window.
• Never think that an insect screen will prevent a window fall. Screens are easily pushed out by little hands or the weight of the child leaning against the screen.
• Talk to your kids, make sure they know there are strict rules about playing near windows.
• Install building code compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open or window guards with release devices to help prevent a fall.
• Teach your children the proper way to use a window and how to escape the home in an emergency.

You can get window safety devices at hardware and home improvement stores, and from a number of online retailers. Typically they are relatively inexpensive, as well as easy to install. None of us want to see a child hurt, simple actions today can help you avoid the unthinkable tragedy that comes with a window fall accident.