Window Safety Week Observed April 4-10

The Window Safety Task Force, in partnership with the National Safety Council, encourages parents and caregivers to recognize the importance of practicing window safety during Window Safety Week, being observed April 4-10. 

"Because of the pandemic, families are sheltering in place and children have been home from school, meaning the risk for window falls increases," says Angela Dickson, co-chair of the Window Safety Task Force. "To avoid needless tragedies, the task force asks those in the industry to share window safety tips to keep children safe – post tips on your website and share via social media to help spread the word."

Each year, the Window Safety Task Force takes the first full week in April to educate on the importance of practicing window safety year-round.

"Falls from a window can result in serious injury or death and pose an especially dangerous threat for children," says Jeffrey Inks, senior vice president, advocacy, co-chair of the Window Safety Task Force. "Installing window opening control devices that are compliant with ASTM F2090 prevents a window from opening more than four inches, avoiding accidental falls."

To protect children, the Window Safety Task Force offers the following tips:

1. When young children are around, keep windows closed and locked.
2. When opening a window for ventilation, use those located out of a child's reach.
3. Avoid placing furniture near windows to prevent young children from climbing.
4. Don't allow children to jump on beds or other furniture to help reduce potential falls.
5. Don't rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall. Insect screens are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep children in the home.
6. Supervise children to keep child's play away from windows, balconies or patio doors.
7. Install ASTM F2090-compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open or window guards (with quick-release mechanisms in case of fire or other emergency) to help prevent a fall.

Visit the window safety sections of the FGIA and WDMA websites to learn more. Follow the Window Safety Task Force on Twitter and Facebook for more tips and updates on this important safety issue.