The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), as a co-founder of the Window Safety Task Force, encourages everyone to recognize the importance of practicing window safety by designating one week each spring to promoting safety and education. National Window Safety Week, April 7-13, is used as a time to remind all households that open windows can be dangerous for young children who are not properly supervised. This is especially important with the arrival of warm weather when windows are opened to provide ventilation.
According to a study conducted from 1990-2008 by the American Academy of Pediatrics, an estimated 98,415 children were treated in U.S. hospitals for window fall-related injuries during the 19-year study period, averaging more than 5,000 falls per year. The study concluded window falls occur more frequently during spring and summer months. Promoting awareness of how to prevent falls, as well as year-round window safety practices, can help reduce the number window-fall related injuries.
In order to help protect children from window falls, the Window Safety Task Force offers the following tips:
* Avoid the placement of furniture near windows to prevent children from climbing
* Do not rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall
* Keep children’s play away from open windows and doors
* Install building code-compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open or window guards with release mechanisms to help prevent a fall
* Teach your child how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency
To help teach children about window safety, an activity book is available on AAMA’s Window Safety and Fall Prevention webpage at www.aamanet.org/windowsafety, as well as additional information for parents and caregivers.
More information about AAMA and its activities can be found via the AAMA Media Relations page or on the AAMA website.
