National Window Safety Week Reminders!

March 1, 2024 by

The National Safety Council’s Window Safety Task Force marks National Window Safety Week annually during the first full week of April. This year the event will be held April 1-7, 2024. The objectives of this week are to educate families on the vital role windows play in fire escapes and other emergencies, as well as to prevent accidental window falls. Your family’s safety is paramount to Sentry Window Guards! We hope you and your family will take some time to review this window safety checklist to ensure year-round protection.

Preventing Window Falls

  1. Never leave young children unsupervised near open windows.
  2. Keep windows closed and locked when not in use.
  3. Position children’s play areas away from windows.
  4. Avoid placing furniture near windows to deter children from climbing.
  5. Do not rely solely on insect screens to prevent falls, as they cannot support a child’s weight.
  6. Whenever possible, open windows from the top rather than the bottom.
  7. Properly installed window guards are essential for preventing window falls. Consider installing window stops to enjoy fresh air while ensuring safety.

Creating Emergency Escape Routes

  1. Develop and practice an emergency escape plan with your family at least twice a year, once during daylight and once at night.
  2. Identify at least two escape routes from every room.
  3. Ensure that at least one window in each bedroom meets escape and rescue standards.
  4. Teach older children how to safely open windows in emergency situations.
  5. Verify that windows are not nailed or painted shut.
  6. Remove air conditioners from windows that may be needed for escape.
  7. Install emergency escape ladders in upper-story windows where necessary and educate all family members on their use.
  8. Designate a safe meeting point outside your home.

At Sentry Window Guards, we believe that window safety goes beyond just preventing falls and aiding in emergency escapes; it also plays a crucial role in enhancing home security and energy efficiency. Making sure that your windows are properly secured with locks and alarms, homeowners can deter burglars and intruders, providing peace of mind for their families. Additionally, investing in energy-efficient windows helps to regulate indoor temperatures, reduce utility bills, and minimize environmental impact. By sealing gaps, upgrading to double or triple-pane windows, and installing insulated frames, homeowners can create a more comfortable and sustainable living environment while prioritizing safety.

Additionally, staying up to date about advancements in window safety technology can empower homeowners to make the best decisions about protecting their homes and loved ones. From smart window sensors that detect unusual activity to shatter-resistant glass that withstands extreme weather conditions, there are various innovative solutions available on the market.

If you have questions about your New York home, please feel free to give us a call so that we may tailor effective solutions for your specific needs and preferences.

At Sentry Window Guards, our mission is to protect children by preventing window fall accidents. Here’s a testimonial from a satisfied customer:

“Great service! As a new landlord, window guards was not an area I had any experience in but the team at Sentry Windows made it easy for me to make the right choices for my windows. They’re also a nice size that fit in the back track of your window seamlessly, opposed to the bulky guards from the hardware store. Thank you!”
-Tameka Edwards

“Really happy with my recently purchased window guards. The associates there were also nice enough to be flexible with me and my work schedule to allow me to pick up after their regular work hours.”
-Ibrahime Balde

For further information on our window guard products and our expertise in complying with NYC safety regulations, contact us today.

 

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

Lead Paint Awareness: Keeping Your Home Safe in the Big Apple

February 15, 2024 by

Hey, just a heads up about the not-so-cool side of lead paint on window sills in New York. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, lead poisoning is a big deal, especially for kiddos – it’s actually the top environmental threat to their health.

What the Stats Say!

The stats say that around 4.4% of kids aged 1-5 have lead levels in their blood that go beyond what’s considered safe. Yikes! Most of these kids get exposed at home, and if you’re renting, controlling that exposure is a bit trickier. A lot of NYC apartments are on the older side. Even though they banned lead-based paint in 1960, those older buildings might still have layers of it.

A Little Bit of History and Some Tips!

Lead paint was the go-to for kitchen and bathroom walls, as well as doors, windows, and wooden trim. But here’s the thing – unless you’ve had your place tested, you won’t know if that old paint has lead in it. So, before moving in, ask your landlord if they’ve ever tested for lead. Consider bringing it up during the walk-through or rental application process. If they have, ask to see the results. Just a heads up, though, in New York State, landlords aren’t required to test for lead or let you do it before you move in.

If you’re wondering about lead paint poisoning symptoms, it usually happens when kids put stuff with lead in their mouths – like chewing on a window sill. The symptoms vary but can include abdominal pain, irritability, fatigue, and a bunch of other not-so-fun things.

DIY Lead-Safe Measures: Your Home, Your Rules!

If you’re a DIY enthusiast or just want to take extra precautions, there are simple steps you can take to make your space lead-safe. Regularly clean surfaces, especially those within reach of curious little hands, using lead-specific cleaning products. Additionally, consider applying a fresh layer of lead-free paint to window sills and areas prone to wear and tear. Remember, staying informed and proactive is key to creating a safe and healthy living environment for you and your loved ones in the city that never sleeps!

Oh, and if you’re in NYC and living in a building with three or more apartments, there’s this form you’re supposed to fill out every year by February 15. It’s a city law thing – click the link for more info. Stay safe out there!

» https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/lead-poisoning-parents-and-tenants.page 

For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Sources:

https://ag.ny.gov/publications/preventing-lead-paint-poisoning

http://www.healthline.com/health/lead-poisoning#Symptoms4

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml

 

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Safeguard Your Home: 5 Essential Fall Maintenance Tasks

October 13, 2023 by

Fall is a season of transition, marked by cooling temperatures and the colorful transformation of leaves. It is also an important time to protect your property and ensure your family’s safety. Let’s delve into five fundamental fall maintenance tasks that will secure your home and bring you peace of mind. From ensuring your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors are in top condition to preparing your heating systems for the upcoming winter, we’ll guide you through the steps needed to maintain a secure and comfortable home. We will also delve into the importance of addressing leaks promptly to prevent water damage and the significance of staying vigilant against pest invasions. Of course, we will highlight the often-overlooked significance of window safety, emphasizing the need for proper window guards and stops to safeguard against accidents. Stay safe and secure with these simple home maintenance tasks!

  • Check your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors. Your family’s safety starts with functional smoke detectors and fire alarms. They alert your family to fire and smoke, giving you crucial time to evacuate. Carbon monoxide detectors take on the all important task of notifying you of dangerous levels of this odorless gas. Ensure all of these devices work properly by conducting monthly tests and changing the batteries twice a year. A handy reminder is to replace batteries during the spring and fall daylight saving time transitions.
  • Inspect and maintain all sources of heat before winter. As winter approaches and temperatures drop, it’s essential to ensure your heating systems are in optimal condition to keep your family warm. HVAC systems with cracks, dirty air filters, and poor ventilation can cause poor air quality, higher energy bills, and carbon monoxide buildup. In addition, annual safety inspections and cleanings for both your chimney and fireplace are highly recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. Creosote, an oily wood-tar residue, can cling to chimney walls and pose a significant risk, potentially causing fires to escalate out of control. Stay safe by scheduling regular maintenance for these items.
  • Repair any leaks and address water damage. Unnoticed leaks can cause costly water damage in your home. Inspect potential areas like basements, crawl spaces, under sinks, around faucets, toilets, showers, and beneath appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators. After fixing leaks, promptly deal with any discovered water damage to prevent further issues. Excess moisture can rapidly lead to mold growth if left unattended.
  • Keep pest control up to date. As temperatures drop and leaves change, unwanted pests will be seeking warm shelter and food, posing risks to your home. Pest infestations, whether insects, rodents, or snakes, can cause substantial, uninsured damage. Regular inspections and swift action are key to keeping your property pest-free.
  • Protect your family with window guards. Ensure your windows are safe and secure to prevent accidents. Window guards, when correctly installed, are crucial in preventing falls, as screens alone can’t support a child’s weight. Use window stops to enjoy the fresh, fall air without the risk of windows opening too wide and posing a fall hazard. By taking these simple precautions, you can make your home a safer place for everyone!

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. By following these essential fall maintenance tasks, you’re not just protecting your property; you’re safeguarding your loved ones. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

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4 Step Plan to be Prepared for Hurricane Season in New York City

August 30, 2023 by

The hurricane season in New York runs from June to November, with the peak potential for hurricanes occurring between August and October. Are you and your home ready to face these natural challenges? While many hurricane predictions provide a few days of warning, certain weather patterns may give you mere minutes. Familiarizing yourself with the region’s major weather patterns and alert systems can significantly aid your preparedness efforts. Below, we’ve outlined steps that anyone can take to ensure readiness for hurricane season or any upcoming severe weather events. Although you may never need to implement these preparations, they can be invaluable in the eye of a storm.

1).Assemble a Go Bag for Emergency Evacuation

Prepare a go bag that contains essential items for each family member to sustain them during a potential evacuation. FEMA recommends a 72-hour supply of food, water, medications, and other essentials for each family member. Make sure your go bag includes first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a whistle for signaling help, copies of crucial family documents, portable phone chargers, cash, backup medical equipment, toiletries, and sleeping bags or bedding.

2) Establish an Emergency Communication Plan

Ensure that every member of your household understands what actions to take during a weather emergency, how to reconnect with each other, and how to communicate effectively. Determine a convenient and safe meeting point before an evacuation. It’s important to teach children not to hide from emergency responders like police and firefighters, who are there to help.

3) Stay Informed with Notify NYC and Wireless Emergency Alerts

Enroll all family members with cell phones in the Notify NYC alert system, New York City’s official source for emergency alerts and essential city services. Stay connected with this system by setting up alerts through email, text, telephone, or social media. Additionally, subscribe to wireless emergency alerts on all cell phones. When the National Weather Service issues alerts, these warnings are sent instantly to WEA-enabled devices within the affected area, covering events like tornadoes, flash floods, hurricanes, dust storms, extreme winds, tsunamis, AMBER Alerts, and evacuation orders.

4) Safeguard Your Home Ahead of the Storm

Take proactive measures to protect your home and belongings before a storm hits:

  • Prune weak branches from trees and shrubs near your home.
  • Move outdoor items indoors, including patio furniture, decorations, grills, potted plants, bicycles, and toys.
  • Install storm shutters or attach plywood to window frames to limit window damage.
  • Inspect and repair your roof to withstand wind and flying objects.
  • Clear and maintain gutters to ensure proper water drainage and prevent leaks.
  • Turn off accessible water, gas, and electrical lines before evacuating.
  • If possible, park your vehicle in a covered area, like a garage.

By following these steps, you can be better prepared to face hurricane season or any unforeseen severe weather events. Remember, preparation is key to ensuring the safety of yourself, your family, and your home. At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe in New York. For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

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4 Safety Concerns to Look for in Older New York Homes

July 23, 2023 by

New York City is known for its diverse architectural landscape, and there are many older homes scattered throughout the city that may have hidden safety concerns. Older homes add character and historical charm to different neighborhoods. Brooklyn is known for its historic neighborhoods with rows of brownstones and older homes. In areas of Queens and the Bronx, you can find older single-family homes, as well as multifamily houses, some of which were built in the early 20th century. The character, charm, and unique personalities of older homes is undeniable. If you live in an older home in New York City or are considering purchasing one, we have some safety concerns to keep on your radar.

Electrical and Plumbing

In many cases, the electrical and plumbing systems in older homes may need updating. Building codes and safety standards have evolved over time. Updating the electrical and plumbing systems in older homes can bring them in line with current code requirements, making the home safer and easier to insure. Older electrical and plumbing systems might also be less energy-efficient, resulting in higher utility bills. Upgrading to more efficient systems can lead to cost savings in the long run.

Foundation

It’s important not to overlook foundation or structural concerns in an older home, as they can significantly impact the structural integrity of the house and lead to costly repairs. Look for visible signs such as cracks in the walls, especially around windows and doors, uneven floors or floors that slope, doors and windows that stick or do not close properly, gaps between walls and the ceiling or floors and cracks in the exterior brickwork or foundation. A professional home inspector will have the expertise to identify potential foundation issues, while a structural engineer can give a more in-depth analysis if problems are found.

Window Guards

While strong doors are the first line of defense for your security, windows are the second. Windows should have sturdy, easy to use locks. Also, look for secure window guards. NYC building owners are required to provide and properly install approved window guards on all windows, including first floor bathrooms, windows leading onto a balcony or terrace in an apartment where a child 10 years of age or younger resides, and windows in each common area, on any floor. Additionally, 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. 

Hazardous Materials

There are several hazardous materials that can be found in older homes, especially those constructed before the mid-1970s when building regulations were not as strict. These materials may pose health risks if they are disturbed, damaged, or deteriorating. Asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, radon, formaldehyde, and lead pipes can all lead to contamination in the home. It is important to be aware of the potential presence of these hazardous materials in older homes, particularly before undertaking any renovation or remodeling projects. It is always best to consult with professionals trained in the safe removal and remediation of these materials.

Sentry Window Guards can provide various types of childproof window locking mechanisms and safety devices for a home of any age. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Safety Tips Tagged With: , ,
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