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.
