Tips to Help Prevent Choking and Suffocation

August 15, 2018 by

Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury death claiming thousands of lives each year. Unfortunately the elderly and infants make up a large number of those deaths. Choking risk increases with the elderly due to living alone, having dentures and difficulties with swallowing. Here are some tips to help prevent choking and suffocation if you should encounter someone having an issue:

The Heimlich Maneuver

If a victim is able to cough, encourage them to continue to help clear out the object. If they can’t cough, speak or breathe, they need immediate attention. The best way to help someone in this situation is to administer the Heimlich Maneuver or abdominal thrusts. The Heimlich is not recommended for children younger than 1 year old. Here are the steps recommended to perform the Heimlich Maneuver. Seek medical attention even after choking stops.

Administer CPR

CPR will need to be performed if the victim becomes unresponsive. Here are the CPR steps to help a victim. Continue with CPR until the victim responds, an AED is made available or medical help arrives.

Infants and Children

The rescue procedure for infants and children is different. Here are the recommended steps. Prevent this type of tragedy with a few simple practices. Cut infant food into smaller pieces, avoid giving them hard candy and keep small objects out of reach. Also supervise young children while eating and playing.

 

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!

 

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

5 Triggers for Poor Indoor Air Quality

July 15, 2018 by

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, Summer Home Tips Tagged With: ,

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Beat The Heat This Summer

June 20, 2018 by

Summer is on and it is HOT! Here are a few ideas to help you beat the heat this summer and enjoy the season without burning a hole in your wallet!

  1. Visit a library: Many libraries have summer reading programs that encourage young readers with rewards and prizes. Some libraries even offer free or inexpensive events to participate in during the summer.
  1. Check out a movie: Some theaters offer $1 or discounted days during the summer for previously released movies. Call or visit your local theater for times and listings.
  1. Explore a state park: Enjoy exploring the great outdoors at a state park. Hike, swim, camp, bird watch, fish, have a picnic and more! Search online for state park options in your area.
  1. Enjoy local fairs and festivals: Look for local fairs and festivals in your area. Also keep your ears open for local fundraisers such as church and mall carnivals.
  1. Cool off at a water park: Check online for coupons and reduced admission fees. Some parks are cheaper on certain days or offer BOGO (buy one, get one) free coupons.
  1. Take it old school: Buy a cheap sprinkler and some water balloons at your local retail store. It’s a great and inexpensive way to cool off in your own backyard! Add a twist by using water balloons for playing marco polo, hot potato, volleyball, badminton or baseball!

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our business to help keep families safe. We hope these 6 budget-friendly ideas will help you and your family beat the heat this summer! 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, Summer Home Tips Tagged With:

Protect Your Child From Lead Poisoning

May 24, 2018 by

Child HOliday and Year Round SAfety TipsAccording to Business Insider, between 1976 and 1980, 77.8% of American children had elevated lead levels in their bloodstreams. In 1991, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called lead the “number one environmental threat to the health of children in the United States,” and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended every American child be screened for lead in their bloodstreams. Thankfully lead poisoning is far less common today but it is still a concern, especially in children.

Most lead-poisoned children have been exposed in their own homes. If you rent your apartment or home, controlling your family’s exposure to lead is more difficult to control. Many New York City apartments are older dwellings and even though lead-based paint has been banned for residential use since 1960 older buildings contain old layers of lead paint. Lead paint was typically used on kitchen and bathroom walls and throughout homes on doors, windows, and wooden trim. Unless tested you can’t be sure if it was used in your home or apartment. Before you move in, ask the landlord if the paint has ever been tested for lead. If it has, ask to see the results. However, landlords in New York State are not required to test paint for lead, nor are they required to allow a prospective tenant to test paint for lead before renting.

LEAD POISONING SYMPTOMS:

The most common way children get exposed to lead is by mouth. They may chew on a windowsill or other area that contains lead. Symptoms of lead poisoning vary. They may affect one area or many parts of the body. Typically, lead poisoning builds up slowly after many small exposures to lead. Lead toxicity is rare after a single exposure or ingestion of lead. Signs of repeated lead exposure include:

  • Abdominal pain, cramps
  • Aggressive behavior, irritability, fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Headaches
  • Loss of developmental skills
  • Loss of appetite
  • High blood pressure
  • Anemia
  • Kidney problems
  • Numbness or tingling in the extremities
  • Memory loss

NYC LEAD PAINT NOTICE:

New York City law requires that tenants living in buildings with 3 or more apartments complete the attached form and return it to their landlord before February 15, each year. If you do not return this form, your landlord is required to visit your apartment to determine if children live in your apartment. This form also applies to dwellings built from 1960 – 1978 if the landlord knows lead paint was used. To download the form, click HERE.

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!

 

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

Relieve Spring Allergies With These 6 Tips

April 16, 2018 by

While the spring pollen count isn’t as high here in New York City as it is in the south, the potential to suffer from seasonal allergies is still a real possibility. No matter if your symptoms are minimal or major, pharmacies have geared up for the influx of sniffling, miserable sufferers looking for some relief. Here are 6 tips to help you find relief and allow you to enjoy the splendor and beauty of the spring season:

  1. Shower after outdoor activities – Pollen is floating everywhere outdoors and it loves to cling on clothes, hair and skin. Although you may not see it, showering immediately after outdoor activities can help minimize the pollen brought into your home.
  2. Wash your sheets – Wash bed sheets once a week to help reduce pollen and other allergens from invading your bed. Even if you are showering before you get into bed, some pollen may still find its way into your sheets.
  3. Change HVAC system air filters – The filters in your HVAC system are meant to trap allergens and keep them out of your home. If the filters are dirty and clogged, this process won’t happen properly. Change filters out monthly during high pollen and allergy season.
  4. Close windows – As much as we love to invite the fresh air inside, if the pollen count is high and you are an allergy sufferer, this isn’t a good idea. Keep your windows closed and turn on the AC if necessary.
  5. Wear a mask – Sometimes we can’t avoid outdoor activities such as lawn or landscaping work. To help keep you from ingesting grass, pollen and allergens that can cause you to suffer, wear a mask that you can find at your local pharmacy.
  6. Talk to your doctor – If your allergies are interfering with your everyday routine, you many need to make an appointment to meet with a doctor. You can purchase allergy medication over the counter, but it is always a good idea to speak with a medical professional before starting any medications, especially if you have certain allergies to medications or if you are taking medicine for another medical condition.

We hope that these 6 tips will help you find some relief this allergy season. For more information regarding Sentry Window Guard products, contact us at 718-389-1777.

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

National Window Safety Week: Tips to Prevent Window Fall Accidents

March 31, 2018 by

Spring is here and many homeowners are eager to open windows and let in the fresh air. Each year, the Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council takes the first full week in April to educate on the importance of practicing window safety year-round. National Window Safety Week is designed to increase awareness on helping to prevent accidental window falls and the proper use of windows for emergency escape purposes.

***Falls from a window can result in serious injury or death and pose an especially dangerous threat for children. Every year, about eight children under age five die each year from falling out a window, and more than 3,300 are injured seriously enough to go to the hospital.***

Here are 3 tips to help keep your home safer and prevent window fall accidents from occurring:

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.

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.

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

The Window Safety Task Force recommends the following items be a part of your fire emergency plan:

  1. Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut
  2. Do not install air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape
  3. Make sure at least one window in each bedroom meets escape and rescue requirements
  4. Window guards, security bars, grilles or grates render windows useless in an emergency unless they have a release mechanism; update them if necessary
  5. Develop an emergency escape plan and practice it during the day and at night
  6. Keep emergency escape ladders in second- or third-story bedrooms and teach everyone in the home how to use them

For more information regarding Window Safety Week 2018, you can visit the following sites:

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, Falls From Windows, Safety Tips Tagged With: , ,

True Story: 3 Tips to Help Prevent Window Fall Accidents

February 12, 2018 by

“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: Falls From Windows, Safety Tips Tagged With: ,

7 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Achieve

January 3, 2018 by

Happy New Year New York! 

According to Statistic Brain, almost half of the American population makes New Year’s Resolutions. Unfortunately approximately 8% of that 45% actually achieve resolution success. Instead of shooting for the moon, make realistic resolutions. Here are 7 ideas for New Year’s Resolutions that would add meaning to your life and be attainable:

  1. BE PUNCTUAL – Respect other people’s time and make it a habit to be punctual. Being “fashionably late” isn’t cool, professional or considerate. 
  1. GET YOUR STUDY ON – Whether you have been dreaming of finishing your college degree or you just want to take a few quilting classes at your local arts center, make a commitment. Furthering your education for a larger income or learning more about a beloved hobby will be satisfying no matter what the motive. 
  1. FIT IN FITNESS – If the thought of joining a gym or starting an intense exercise routine overwhelms you, start with baby steps. Park your car further away from your office, take the stairs instead of the elevator, do a few squats while catching up on the local news…you get the idea. Once your body starts to feel better from a little bit of exercise, you might be more motivated to amp up your fitness routine! 
  1. ELIMINATE DEBT – While this may take awhile or even seem impossible, make a plan to pay off debt. No need to explain the feeling of accomplishment you’ll experience when you lose that burden. 
  1. SUPPORT A CAUSE – Think of a cause that is near and dear to your heart and find out how you can contribute. Monetary donations are always welcome; however look at raising funds through walks such as the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Giving back to society and trying to make a difference makes the world a better place to live. And you will feel incredible for helping to support the cause. 
  1. MEANINGFUL FAMILY TIME – Many parents are constantly on the go. Sometimes we may see the constant shuffling of kids to activities and hours spent on homework as a burden. Try and look at these times in a more positive light. Bond with your family when possible and treasure times spent together. 
  1. ADOPT A FURBABY – There is nothing more satisfying than the devotion and loyalty of a pet, especially at the end of a challenging workday. No one loves us more unconditionally than a furbaby! 

We hope one or all of these New Year’s Resolutions resonate with you. Make 2018 a great year and Happy New Year from the team at Sentry Window Guards!

Filed Under: Community Involvement, Holidays Tagged With:

Keep Your Children Safe at Home This Holiday Season

December 20, 2017 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, Holidays, Safety Tips Tagged With: ,

Tips to Help You Trim the Tree Safely This Christmas

November 20, 2017 by

The holiday season is here New York! With the excitement and anticipation of this magical season, we want you to remember a few safety tips when trimming your Christmas tree. Although beautiful to admire, overloaded lights and dried-out trees are a recipe for fire disaster. According to the National Fire Protection Association, here are some scary facts:

FACT #1: Fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees each year.

FACT #2: One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical failures.

FACT #3: Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur they are more likely to be serious.

FACT #4: A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every five of the fires.

We advise you to take the necessary steps to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe during the holiday season.

1.  How to choose the right tree for your family:

  • Artificial Tree: Make sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
  • Live Tree: Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when touched.

2. Where to place the tree in your home:

  • Cut 2” from the base of the live tree trunk before placing it into the tree stand.
  • Make sure the live or artificial tree is at least three feet away from any heat source such as a fireplace, radiator, candle, heat vents or lights, and not blocking an exit.
  • Add water to live tree stand daily.

3. How to safely light the tree:

  • Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety.
  • Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
  • Do not use more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
  • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage.
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. Lights could short out and start a fire.

4. How to dispose of the tree after the holidays:

  • Get rid of the live tree when it begins dropping needles. Check with your local community to find a recycling program for your tree.
  • Bring outdoor electrical lights inside to prevent hazards and extend the life of the lights.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe in New York. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize the importance of preventing potential fire hazards in the home. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding New York City safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Holidays, Winter Home Tips Tagged With:
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