Window Safety Week, recognized every year during the first full week in April, serves as a reminder of recognizing the importance of window safety and fall prevention year-round. This 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.
In the spring, with the arrival of warmer weather, many homeowners begin to open windows for ventilation. However, open windows can be dangerous for young children who are not properly supervised. 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.
The Window Safety Task Force offers these tips to protect children from window falls:
Fire Prevention Week is recognized the first full week of October in the U.S. When it comes to a fire emergency, the Window Safety Task Force reminds everyone that doors and windows are the primary and secondary escape routes during an emergency, such as a fire.
The Window Safety Task Force encourages everyone to develop and test a fire escape plan at least twice a year, taking into account that windows may need to be used as a secondary means of escape. Don’t forget to include accommodations for loved ones with special needs and necessary actions for pets in your plan, as well.
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 on the task force’s website, as well as additional information for parents and caregivers.
Window Safety Week Tool Kit: This document is downloadable and editable for company use.
Window Safety Week Media Kit: Media outlets are invited to view and download this kit for publication use.
PHOTOS | A gallery of downloadable images (including the infographic below) pertaining to Window Safety Week can be found on Flickr.
FOR CHILDREN | Window Safety Activity and Coloring Book
The Window Safety Task Force (WSTF) was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety. The task force is comprised of members representing the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) and the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), in cooperation with the National Safety Council (NSC) and other organizations, as well as manufacturers of windows, doors and screens. Window Safety Week, recognized the first full week of April, is intended to heighten awareness about what actions homeowners can take to establish window safety as a year-round priority.
