With the arrival of the warmer days and cool nights we all look forward to springtime. We then open our windows to let in fresh air. Along with the open window comes an increased safety risk for young children. A child’s fall from a window is tragic. Sadly, several tragedies occur each year across the country.

The National Safety Council reminds parents that windows play a vital role in home fire safety, but they can also pose a risk of a fall in the home if other safety measures are not followed.

Each year several children in your community fall from windows and land in area hospitals. In several cases young children have climbed onto furniture that is placed too close to an open window, and have fallen out. Remember, children are top heavy; they can be looking out an open window one minute and falling through it the next. A screen offers little protection when the weight of a child pushes against it.

Here are some important safety tips to prevent children falling from open windows:

• Always supervise young children, life-threatening injuries can happen in seconds to a child left unattended.
• Close and lock windows whenever young children are around. If you need ventilation, open windows that children cannot reach. (For example, open double hung windows from the top only.)
• Keep furniture and beds away from windows. Children can quickly climb onto window ledges and fall.
• Keep window treatments (blinds, cords, drapes, etc.) out of children’s reach. They may injure themselves when climbing or be strangled.