Windows are a fantastic element of a house. They let in natural light while keeping the wind, rain, heat,
and cold outside. Did you know that in early houses, the windows were just open spaces along the
walls? While they provided necessary ventilation, they were probably not too effective in keeping the
elements and intruders out. And while home construction has developed, a window’s basic purpose
remains the same.
The first full week in April is National Window Safety Week, a time designated to increase awareness of
the danger of window falls, along with how to properly use windows for emergency escape purposes.
The arrival of Spring in Wisconsin entices you to open the windows to enjoy the fresh air. But open
windows create a hazard for small, curious children who have not yet developed a sense of danger.
Sadly, about eight children under the age of five die every year from falling out of a window. Over 3,300
are injured seriously enough to require a hospital visit.
The good news is that window safety is easy, and you can take the necessary actions to keep your family
safe. Here are a few ways to create a safer environment for your children around open windows.
Take Notice of Your Windows
Are there any windows that are especially dangerous where someone could fall from a tall height? Are
there any windows that have broken locks or do not securely fasten? When young children are around,
it’s always best to keep windows closed and locked. But if you want to open a window for ventilation,
choose to open windows located out of a child’s reach.
Do not put your trust in window screens. Window insect screens are designed to keep bugs and pests
out of the home and are not intended to prevent a window fall.
Create an Emergency Exit Plan
Draw up an emergency exit plan for your home. Just like commercial buildings advise people where the
emergency exits are located, you can create an emergency exit plan for your home. First, determine
which windows (and doors) have emergency egress capability. Then teach your children how to safely
use a window to escape during an emergency, such as a fire.
Get the whole family involved and sketch the house on paper, designating safety zones and emergency
exits. You could color those areas in for emphasis and include pictorial depictions of what to do in case
of a fire or other emergency that requires evacuation. Post the diagrams in multiple rooms of the house,
including one in each child’s bedroom so it can be seen regularly and remembered.
Childproof Your Windows
It’s possible to childproof your windows with simple equipment you can purchase at the hardware store.
Two options are window guards and window security locks.
Window guards are designed similarly to a baby gate, like the kind you would place to block stairs or a
doorway. These metal grills are installed into or around the window frame and will prevent anyone from
climbing out of the window. In the event of an emergency, an adult will be able to release the lock and
open the gate to allow egress.
Window security locks work well for vertically sliding windows. These metal clamps are placed onto the
side track of the window frame and tightened in place with a thumb-turn screw. These locks have many
great benefits. They are not permanent fixtures and can be removed at any time, except that they
should be tightened enough so that young children cannot remove them. The locks can be set to any
place along the track, allowing the window to be open at any degree of your choosing. This feature can
allow a window to be open for ventilation, but not enough that a child could climb through. In the event
of an emergency, they can be quickly removed to allow the window to fully open. Lastly, these locks
prevent outside intruders from raising the window any further than where the lock is set.
Turnkey Homes and Window Safety
Turnkey Homes cares about your safety at home and wants you to have a plan in place for emergencies.
If your windows are damaged or not secure, call and ask us your questions and find out how we can
help. Turnkey Homes LLC is a custom home builder and remodeler in the Appleton-Green Bay area.
Learn more about us and our services at turnkeyhomesllc.com or reach us by phone at (920) 470-4315.
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