Window Safety Week is April 22-28. Learn how to practice year-round safety.
Published 04-03-07
Submitted by National Safety Council
ITASCA, IL - April 3, 2007 - As the weather warms, Window Safety Week, April 22-28, is the perfect time to review the following window safety tips:
Since windows provide a secondary means of escape from a burning home or building, every family should develop and practice an emergency escape plan in the event that fire or smoke blocks the primary exit. Children may have to rely on a window to escape in a fire, so help them learn to safely use a window under these circumstances.
Include windows in home emergency escape plans. Designate one door and one window to use as a potential escape route from each room in your home. Make sure they open easily. Keep escape routes free from clutter "“toys, furniture, electrical cords and other potential tripping and falling hazards. Teach all household members to use windows and doors properly for escape and rescue purposes.
Keep furniture "“ or anything children can use to climb "“ away from windows. Children may use such objects to climb to an open window and potentially fall.
Remember that insect screens are intended to keep insects out. They are neither designed nor intended to keep children from falling out of windows.
When installing window guards or window fall prevention devices, be aware that the window guards must have a release mechanism so that they can be opened for escape in a fire emergency. Select a device that complies with ASTM F-02090-01a, which provides minimum requirements for window fall prevention devices to ensure that they can be easily removed or opened when necessary. Consult your local fire department or building code official to determine proper window guard placement.
"When it comes to children's safety there is no substitute for proper adult supervision," says Donna Stein Harris, director, National Safety Council’s Home and Community Partnerships and Initiatives. "Adults need to be vigilant about supervising children's indoor play, especially near windows and balcony doors."
Two FREE printed resources on the topic of window safety are also available to order:
"Keeping the Promise of Safety" brochure provides helpful window safety tips. Individual brochures may be downloaded from the website (www.nsc.org/aware/window/). For larger quantities (in quantities of 100), you may order them from the National Safety Council by contacting NSC Customer Service at: 800-621-7619, and ask for the "Keeping the Promise of Safety" brochure, product number 00006-6215. These brochures are free.
Window Safety Information Kit includes the "Keeping the Promise of Safety Brochure," as well as Window Safety Tip Sheets, Window Safety Checklist, Window Safety Press Release, and Window Safety Activity and Coloring Book. This kit is available free from the National Safety Council by contacting NSC Customer Service at 800-621-7619, and asking for the "Window Safety Information Kit," product number 00006-6210. You may order these in any quantity.
The Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council is comprised of members representing the National Fire Protection Agency, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, the Window & Door Manufacturers Association and the Screen Manufacturers Association in association with the National Association of Home Builders.
The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) is a nonprofit, nongovernmental, international public service organization. Members of the NSC include businesses, labor organization, schools, public agencies, private groups and individuals. Founded in 1913 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1953, the National Safety Council is committed to preventing accidental injuries in the workplace, on roads and highways, and in homes and communities.
National Safety Council
National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is a nonprofit, nongovernmental, international public service organization. Members of the NSC include businesses, labor organization, schools, public agencies, private groups and individuals. Founded in 1913 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1953, the National Safety Council is committed to preventing accidental injuries in the workplace, on roads and highways, and in homes and communities.
