This is an updated version of a blog post that originally ran in April 2017.

Spring is just around the corner, which feels like a breath of fresh air – even though this winter hasn’t been as treacherous as some in the past! That said, this change of seasons means it’s almost time for warm weather and open windows letting in actual fresh air. It also means it is time to brush up on some window safety tips, since open windows can be dangerous for young children who are not properly supervised. The Window Safety Task Force, of which FGIA is a member, has put together tons of tips and resources for Window Safety Week, the first full week of April each year, and companies are encouraged to follow along and share them via social media.

While the number of falls from windows is generally small compared with other recorded child injuries, a fall from a window can result in serious injury or even death. Window Safety Week (April 5-11 this year) serves as a reminder to recognize the importance of window safety and fall prevention year-round.

Window Safety Week is designed to heighten the awareness of what parents and caregivers should do to help keep their homes and families safer from the risk of accidental falls or injuries through windows. The Window Safety Task Force has a Twitter account and a Facebook page, and social media updates are tagged with either #WindowSafety or #WindowSafetyWeek. Both accounts will be sharing window safety tips and best practices throughout Window Safety Week, so be sure to follow them and share their posts.

The Window Safety Task Force offers these tips to protect children from window falls:

• 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

Though Window Safety Week is an important annual reminder, window safety education should be ongoing, occurring throughout the year. To help teach children about window safety, an activity book is available, as well as additional information for parents and caregivers. The Window Safety Week Tool Kits for both window companies and media outlets are currently being updated for 2020 and will be available for complimentary download soon. A gallery of downloadable images pertaining to Window Safety Week can also be found on Flickr.

Or, quickly access all these resources in one place at aamanet.org/windowsafety. FGIA and the Window Safety Task Force appreciate all efforts to assist in getting the word out about this important, but sometimes under-covered, home safety concern. Luckily, social media makes sharing links and tips with homeowners and customers incredibly easy. Have a special request? Let us know, and we’ll work to make it happen!

Tweet at @WindowSafetyTF to share how you'll be recognizing Window Safety Week!