How to Observe Window Safety Year Round

April 15, 2020 by

The Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council observes National Window Safety Week during the first full week of April each year. The goals of this week are to help families understand the role of windows in escaping a fire or in other emergencies and to safeguard against accidental window falls. The safety of you and your family are very important to us! Spend some time going through this window safety checklist to learn how to observe window safety year round.

Emergency Escape Routes

  • Develop an emergency escape plan and have the whole family test it at least twice a year. It is best to test the plan once during daylight and once at night. 
  • Determine at least two avenues of escape from every room. 
  • Make sure at least one window in each bedroom meets escape and rescue requirements.
  • Teach children who are old enough how to properly and safely open windows during an emergency situation.
  • Check to make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut.
  • Ensure there are no air conditioners installed in windows that may be needed for escape.
  • Provide emergency escape ladders in upper story windows where needed and teach everyone in the family how to use them.
  • Identify a safe meeting place outside your home.

Preventing Falls From Windows

  • Never leave small children unattended around open windows. 
  • Windows should be closed and locked when they are not in use.
  • Keep children’s play areas away from windows.
  • To help prevent children from climbing up to an open window, don’t place furniture near windows.
  • Don’t rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall. Screens alone cannot support the weight of a child.
  • Whenever possible, open windows from the top instead of the bottom.
  • Properly installed window guards are your best defense in preventing window falls. Window stops are also a good idea to help allow you to enjoy a fresh breeze while ensuring windows won’t open wide enough to invite a fall. 

At Sentry Window Guards, our business is to keep children safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring. See below for what a satisfied customer had to say about their experience with us. For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today! 

“I live in an apartment building in Manhattan; management wouldn’t be of any help to supply us with guards for our apartment. I called Sentry and spoke to Ed and he walked me through it and within 3 days we had our window guards installed in black aluminum, which no one else carried. Love the guards and the service.” – Jillian L.

 

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5 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in NYC Residences

March 18, 2020 by

Sentry Window Guards Installed 1150 window guards on the Tapestry Avenue Project.

Due to more New Yorkers being homebound right now, indoor air quality needs to be addressed more than ever!

While most expect poor indoor air quality (AIQ) to be at its worst “seasonally,” poor IAQ is actually a year-round issue that needs to be addressed. Poor IAQ can cause problems such as headaches, nausea, and eye and throat irritation. More serious risks can include asthma and allergies. Unfortunately children and the elderly are more at risk to experience symptoms of poor IAQ. Here are some common sources for poor IAQ and solutions to reduce the risks to help keep you and your family safe in your home:

  1. Interior paint & new carpets: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gasses released by many household products such as interior paint and new carpets. Try to use a low concentration of VOC-paints and leave windows open and a fan running while painting. Choose low-VOC carpet to also help reduce the amount of VOC gasses emitted.
  1. Cleaning products: Try and avoid cleaning products containing chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine. Replace with hot water, baking soda and less-toxic cleaning products.
  1. HVAC systems: Systems with cracks, dirty air filters and poor ventilation can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Maintain your HVAC system on a regular basis by scheduling annual inspections and changing out air filters. Also make sure your carbon monoxide alarm is properly working with fresh batteries.
  1. Gas stoves: Improperly installed or vented stoves can dangerous. Vent the stove with a fan that blows properly and make sure burners are adjusted correctly.
  1. Cigarette smoke: If someone in your home is a smoker, the best solution is to have the smoker smoke outside. Also keep in mind that second hand and third hand (smoke that lingers in clothes, cushions and carpets) smoke can be especially harmful to children and the elderly.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize the importance of safe air quality in homes. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Child Safety, Safety Tips Tagged With: ,

Safety Prevention Saves Lives: A Real Life Tragedy

February 10, 2020 by

The following story is based on a real life experience. This type of tragedy can happen when the proper measures aren’t taken. And unfortunately this isn’t the only story regarding children falling out of windows to their death.

“A nine dollar window guard,” Jason says. “That’s all it would have taken to protect my son. And I didn’t even think about it.”

No parent should have to endure the trauma of having a child fall out of a window. Jason and Becca Cunningham* experienced just that when one of their three-year old sons fell from his second-story bedroom window. Although their son landed on his head on the concrete, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and temporary paralysis, he did regain his health after intense, long-term therapy. With thousands of window fall accidents involving children in the U.S. each year, many stories don’t turn out with a happy ending. Many children die or sustain life-long injuries.

The Cunninghams did not reside in New York City, where homeowners must have window guards on their windows BY LAW if children 10 years or younger are living in the home. As a matter of fact, window safety wasn’t even on Jason and Becca’s radar as it probably isn’t with many families. Here are a few tips to help keep your home safer and prevent window fall accidents from occurring:

Tip #1 – Install window guards and stops. Properly installed window guards are your best defense in preventing window falls. Window stops are also a good idea to help allow you to enjoy a fresh breeze while ensuring windows won’t open wide enough to invite a fall.

Tip #2 – Open windows from the top and close after use. If you have windows that can open from top and bottom, choose opening the top versus the bottom to prevent falls. Don’t leave opened windows unattended if small children are present.

Tip #3 – Be sure windows are clear of chairs, cribs or other furniture being too close in proximity, especially if you have crawlers or climbers.

At Sentry Window Guards, our business is to keep children safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

 

*As a result of their traumatic experience, Jason and Becca became active members of the Stop at 4” Window Fall Prevention campaign in Portland, Oregon. Becca even went on to help educate other parents regarding the importance of window fall prevention with her book titled ‘If Kids Could Float!’

Filed Under: Child Safety, Safety Tips Tagged With: ,

4 Tips to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing This Winter

January 15, 2020 by

Having a busted frozen pipe in the middle of winter isn’t pleasant. Many don’t realize how much damage it can cause to a home. Here are 4 tips to take some preventative measures to help avoid a frozen pipe disaster this winter:

  1. FAUCETS: Let your faucets drip. The slow drip reduces the pressure in the water system. If a pipe freezes, it’s less likely to rupture when the pressure is lower. Especially focus on letting the faucet that is furthest away from the main pipeline drip because this line brings water into your house. More pipes will benefit from the main line being allowed to drip.
  1. OUTDOOR SPIGOTS: If you are in house, you should protect your outdoor spigots. Make sure all garden hoses are disconnected from outdoor spigots. Shut down the water supply to outside if possible and drain remaining water. Purchase inexpensive insulated domes to be placed around each spigot for optimum protection. If you are living in an apartment, you may want to confirm with your building manager that any outdoor spigots are protected.
  1. PIPES: Insulate pipes and exposed water supply lines. Look for pipes in unheated areas and those needing extra insulation such as in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under cabinets. Again, if you are living in an apartment, check with your building manager.
  1. GARAGE: If you have a garage, close it! Keep water supply lines in the garage warmer by minimizing length of time the garage doors are open. Do the opposite with kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors. Leave them open to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

As the temperatures continue to drop, practice these 4 tips to help prevent frozen pipes and potential damage to your home. Even a small burst pipe can become costly. If you live in an apartment, check with your building manager to see what preventative measures they are taking to avoid a frozen pipe disaster.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize the importance of avoiding a frozen pipe disaster this winter. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding New York safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Safety Tips, Winter Home Tips Tagged With: ,

Protect Your Family With These Furnace Maintenance Tips

December 15, 2019 by

Our number one priority at Sentry Window Guards is to keep children safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring. Another danger that can occur in the home is deadly carbon monoxide leaks from your furnace. Here are a few DIY annual maintenance tips that will protect your family, prolong the life of your furnace and heating system, and save you some money on future repairs.

Prevent Deadly Carbon Monoxide Leaks!

  1. To get started, turn off power to the unit by switching off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse.
  2. Clean the blower fan, blades, and space in between with a toothbrush, duster and vacuum.
  3. Make sure the furnace motor is lubricated with oil once a year or more.
  4. Inspect and replace furnace air filters once a month. Depending on the filter, you will potentially spend less than $20 for a new air filter.
  5. Inspect the motor belts for tension and damage. It is in good shape if the belt is firm when pressed. Replace it if there are any cracks or damage and if it isn’t firm when pressed.
  6. Inspect duct joints for any leaks. Repair leaks by sealing them with metal tape.
  7. Make sure any outside vents and chimneys are clear of debris or snow blockage.
  8. If DIY isn’t your thing, shop around for a furnace and heating system professional for the best rate. Also, ask if they will analyze combustion gases and inspect wiring.

Create memories safely with your family in comfort this winter with a well-maintained furnace and heating system. By being proactive, you can keep your furnace running efficiently all year and protect your family from deadly carbon monoxide leaks. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

 

 

Filed Under: Child Safety, Safety Tips, Winter Home Tips Tagged With: , ,

5 Tips To Help Keep Your Kids Safe This Holiday Season

November 29, 2019 by

Keeping your children safe is every parent’s first priority. At Sentry Window Guards, we understand how dangerous a fall from a window can be. In fact, by law in NYC, anyone with children 10 years or under must have window guards on their windows. On average about 5,000 kids fall each year from windows in the U.S. But did you know that approximately six kids per day die from all types of injuries in the home and 3.5 million kids are seen in the emergency department for these types of injuries? Here are 5 tips to help you protect your children in your home and keep them safe this holiday season and all year long:

  1. Pay attention: Parents get busy. We get that. However if you have a young child in the bathtub or around water, please give them your full and undivided attention. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1-4.
  1. Check smoke alarms: Check smoke alarm batteries every six months to help reduce the risk of death by home fires. A working smoke alarm can reduce this risk by half.
  1. Practice crib safety: Be sure and keep cribs clear of objects such as stuffed animals, bumpers and blankets. Hundreds of infants die each year due to suffocation or strangulation because of these objects in the crib.
  1. Hide medicines and cleaning products from kids: Make sure and keep all medicines and cleaning products up and away from curious little hands. Don’t leave medications on nightstands or kitchen/bathroom counters if children can reach them. Avoiding storing cleaning products under kitchen sinks unless you install childproof locks.
  1. Install window guards and safety gates: We’ve already mentioned how many kids fall each year in the U.S. from windows. Reduce this risk by installing window guards. We also recommend installing safety gates to keep children from falling down stairs. On average, 93,000 children age 5 and under are seen in the emergency department for stair-related injuries.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize other types of in-home injuries that affect children. We hope these 5 tips are taken seriously and will help you protect your children from home injuries. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Child Safety, Safety Tips Tagged With: ,

Halloween Safety Tips: Costumes, Trick-or-Treat & Candy

October 30, 2019 by

At Sentry Window Guards, our business is to keep children safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring. We also recognize keeping kids safe outside the home. Halloween is an exciting time for kids of all ages! It’s an opportunity to dress up like your favorite superhero, a creepy character or even a big pickle! Fun costumes, themed parties and trick-or-treating makes this time of the year everyone’s favorite! It’s also a time of the year where accidents can happen. It’s important to make safety a priority. Check out these safety tips to keep your kids safe this Halloween!

Costume Safety Tips:

  1. Choose costumes and accessories that fit well to prevent trips and falls.
  2. Check labels to make sure costumes and accessories are flame resistant.
  3. When possible choose face paint and makeup instead of masks to prevent vision obstruction.
  4. Avoid decorative contact lenses, which can lead to eye injury.
  5. Decorate costumes and trick-or-treat bags with reflective tape or stickers for greater visibility.

Trick-or-Treating Tips:

  1. If you have young children, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them. If older children are going alone in a group, be sure to review the route you approve of and agree on a curfew.
  2. In addition to reflective tape or stickers on costumes and trick-or-treat bags, carry flashlights.
  3. Look both ways before crossing a street and use crosswalks when possible.
  4. Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways. Never cut across yards or use alleys.
  5. Remain on well-lit streets and walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic.
  6. Avoid homes that are not lit and do not accept rides from strangers.
  7. When entertaining trick-or-treaters at your home, be sure items are removed from the porch and front yard to prevent trips and falls. Sweep leaves and debris from sidewalks and steps. Restrain pets, especially if Buddy is prone to biting young children.

Candy Inspection Tips:

  1. Do not let your child eat their candy before they get home unless inspected.
  2. Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
  3. Toss out any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
  4. Homemade treats should be avoided unless you know the person that made them.

We hope these safety tips are taken seriously and will help you protect your children from accidents this Halloween. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Child Safety, Holidays Tagged With: ,

Recent Headline: Child Dies After Falling Out of Window in Brooklyn

September 29, 2019 by

A recent headline in Brooklyn is a humble reminder for how important window guards are in the city. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to this family for their recent loss.

Click here to read the story: 2 Year-Old Boy Dies After Plunging Out Window In Brooklyn

Landlords must provide window guard notices. Window guard notices tell landlords which apartments require window guards. All tenants who get them have to complete and return them to the landlord. It’s the law.

Filed Under: Child Safety

Sentry Window Guards Frequently Asked Questions

August 10, 2019 by
Child HOliday and Year Round SAfety TipsYour Family’s Safety is Our Number One Priority!
At Sentry Window Guards our main focus is your child’s safety. We provide various types of childproof window locking mechanisms and safety devices for your home or building. Window Guards: They are the law! Here are a few frequently asked questions:

Who will need a window guard? By law, anyone with children 10 years or under.

If I have a balcony window, do I need a window guard? Yes, it is mandatory by law that a window guard be installed on all balcony windows.

What is the mandatory height required by law from the ground to the window in order to have a window guard? The mandatory height is 8 feet; however, window guards are also used for security purposes on ground floors to deter burglaries.

What type of screws must I use to be code compliant? Tamper-proof screws or a one-way screws are best. We have found that the tamper-proof screws are more homeowner and management company friendly.

Do you have color options? Yes! Sentry Window Guards is proud to be the first in the industry to offer 20 standard architectural colors in AAMA 2604 Powder Coating. This finish utilizes the newest green technology, providing an unmatched performance in durability exceeding all industry standards and is able to match any building facade and window frame colors. All sentry powder coat window guard products are warranted for life against rust. Sentry is also capable of matching any color that isn’t part of our standard color selection.

Does Sentry install the window guards? Yes! We are your one-stop solution for window guards and windows. From start to finish, our professionally trained staff can assist you in your next window guard project. We will come to your site and troubleshoot, measure, fabricate, supply and install within a 24 hour period.

 

At Sentry Window Guards, our business is to keep children safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring. Visit here for more tips from the National Safety Council regarding emergency plans and preventing window falls. And remember if you reside in New York City, homeowners MUST have window guards on their windows BY LAW if children 10 years or younger are living in the home. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

 

Filed Under: Child Safety, Safety Tips Tagged With: ,

4 Tips to Protect Kids from Drowning

July 14, 2019 by

At Sentry Window Guards, our business is to keep children safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring. We also recognize other dangers such as drowning. Summer is in full swing and families are flocking to pools, lakes, rivers and oceans to cool off. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is a leading cause of injury death in children ages 1 to 14 years old. Three children die every day as a result of drowning and drowning kills more children ages 1-4 than any other injuries except birth defects. Parents and guardians can play a key role in protecting children from drowning with these 4 tips:

  1. Life-Saving Skills: Know how to swim yourself. If your child is drowning and a lifeguard is not around, you will be the lifeguard and your child’s life may depend on it. Take an extra step and invest in a Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course. Your decision can mean life or death for your child.
  2. Life Jackets: If your child is a weaker swimmer, invest in a life jacket. If your child is swimming in lakes, rivers and oceans they should have a life jacket if they are under the age of 13. Unexpected currents and rip tides can cause distress in a swimmer, especially children or weak swimmers.
  3. Install a Fence: If you have a swimming pool at your home, it’s wise to install a fence or some form of gate around the pool. We know kids can sneak off quickly. You don’t want your toddler or a neighbor child wandering into your pool unattended. We know the tragic stories that this causes unfortunately.
  4. Bathtub Safety: It seems far-fetched that a child could drown in a bathtub, but unfortunately drowning happens quickly and quietly and it’s possible. Never leave an infant or small child unattended in a bathtub.

When enjoying outdoor water activities and even indoor in the bathtub, please pay attention to your child. A drowning takes very little time and so does reviewing the 4 tips to help protect kids from drowning. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Child Safety, Safety Tips, Summer Home Tips Tagged With: ,
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