Frequently Asked Questions | Sentry Window Guards, New York

January 29, 2024 by

Hey there! Keeping your family safe is our top priority at Sentry Window Guards!

We’ve got all kinds of childproof window locks and safety gadgets to make sure your home is secure. And guess what? Window guards are a must if you’ve got kiddos 10 years or younger – it’s the law!

Balcony window? Yep, you need a window guard there too. It’s a legal thing.

Curious about the height requirement for window guards? It’s 8 feet, but hey, they’re not just for meeting legal standards. They’re also awesome for keeping your place secure from break-ins.

Wondering about screws? Tamper-proof screws are the way to go – they’re homeowner and management company friendly. And guess what? We’ve got 20 cool colors for our window guards, matching any building or window frame.

Oh, and good news – we’re not just about selling guards. We’ll install them for you too! We’re your one-stop shop for all things windows and guards. Our team will troubleshoot, measure, fabricate, supply, and install – all within 24 hours!

Remember, at Sentry Window Guards, we’re all about preventing accidents and keeping kids safe. Check out the National Safety Council for more tips on emergency plans and window fall prevention. And if you’re in NYC with kiddos 10 or under, window guards are a must by law. Hit us up for more info on our products and our expertise in NYC safety requirements!

And remember, Window Safety Week this year will be held April 7-13.

Filed Under: Child Safety, Laws regarding Window Guards Tagged With: , , ,

Window Guards | It’s the Law in New York! Are yours installed correctly?

August 11, 2014 by

As the cooler months approach, folks in New York are beginning to open their windows to enjoy the seasonal change. With more frequent window use, it is critical to have proper protection for the children in your life. When the windows are opened to provide fresh air, especially in children’s bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as accessible windows on upper floors, windows should be secured, and if unlocked, should either have a window guard installed or should be limited to open no more than 4.5 inches. Periodically checking to see that the window’s locking mechanism is working properly should also be a part of your fall routine.

In New York, if tenants or occupants want window guards for any reason, even if there are no resident children 10 years of age or younger, the tenant can request the window guards in writing and the landlord must install them. Owners have a responsibility to ensure that window guards are properly installed. For example, grandparents who have visiting children, parents who share custody and occupants who provide child care may wish to request window guards.

If required or requested window guards have not been installed or if they appear to be insecure or improperly installed, or if there is more than 4.5 inches of open unguarded space in the window opening, a complaint should be made immediately, either by calling Sentry Window Guards or calling 311.

WINDOW SCREENS WILL NOT PREVENT A CHILD FROM FALLING OUT!

Window screens are never an acceptable safety device to prevent a child from falling or climbing out of a window. Windows less than 18” above the ground should have a window guard. If you have window guards installing in your home, this is a great time of year to make sure that your window guards have been installed correctly.

  • Window guards must be installed right and screwed in tight
  • Only New York City approved window guards should be installed. They must be made of strong metal, and (by law) must be installed tightly or they won’t work.
  • If a window guard feels wobbly when you push and pull the bars, it could come loose or fall out when a child leans against it or climbs on it.
  • The window guard must be screwed in tight on both sides with special screws. If it is loose on either side, it has not been put in right.
  • If the window guard is screwed into a rotting window frame or a loose window frame, it could come loose or fall out.

Your family’s safety is our number one priority. Give us a call to come out and check your window guards.

Filed Under: Falls From Windows, Laws regarding Window Guards

Property Managers: Are your New York Window Guards Up to Par?

April 7, 2014 by
Window Guards for Property Managers

The New York City law requires landlords to mount window guards in every apartment where a child aged 10 or under lives or when a resident requests them, including ground floor apartments.

It’s that time of year! Folks are throwing back the drapes and letting the light and air of spring and summer indoors! This is the most important time to make sure window guards are installed where children are living and that they are properly installed on all windows. Every window in your New York building should have a window guard.

Installing window guards has been essential for safety in New York City and the state implemented a law stating that anyone in a building can request window guards from their landlord, for any reason. As a property manager you must supply window guard notices to tenants who complete and return them. Be sure you are up to date on your window guard requests by apartment dwellers!

The New York City law requires landlords to mount window guards in every apartment where a child aged 10 or under lives or when a resident requests them, including ground floor apartments.

Windows can very often be hazardous for young children. According to a CNN blog, 5,000 children per year end up in the emergency room from window falls. This fact poses a considerable risk to your property management. Additionally, windows without window guards may pose a risk for possible break-ins.

You must give you the notice within the first 30 days after the start of the lease. And, every year after that, between January 1 and January 16 (or earlier with your January rent bill), landlords must send another notice to tenants to find out if a child 10 years of age or younger lives in the home, or if the tenant wants window guards for any other reason.

To improve safety on your properties, consider offering to install window guards on all windows.

A common question our team gets is, “Do I need to install window guards even if there are window stops?” Unfortunately, window stops are not a substitute for window guards. Window stops keep the window from opening fully. However, some residents may want to let more air into the property and remove the window stop, which completely opens the window. This creates the potential for accidents to occur.

We have assisted property managers all across New York and we’re happy to share our work with you. Should you need assistance in the proper window guard selection for your building or how to stay within the parameters of the law, please give us a call.

Filed Under: Laws regarding Window Guards Tagged With: , , , , , ,