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: , ,

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: , , ,

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: , ,

How to Safely Decorate Your Home for the Holidays

November 22, 2021 by

Baking, looking at lights, listening to music, watching holiday movies, opening gifts, enjoying good food and drinks, and decorating are all ways to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones. A beautifully decorated home and a warm fire are usually the backdrop for creating these holiday memories. But there are some safety hazards associated with holiday decorating that you should be aware of. Here are some safety tips to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe during the holiday season:

  • Choose a tree to decorate carefully. If you prefer an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant. When choosing a live tree, test the freshness by bending the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off. Add water to a live tree daily to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Place all trees at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and other sources of heat.
  • If you have pets or kids, always secure and anchor the tree itself. We all know how tempting a fully decorated tree is for toddlers and fur babies. Hanging jingle bells on the bottom of your tree will give you a heads up when kids and pets are pulling on the branches.
  • As you are getting out holiday lights, inspect them thoroughly. Anything with frayed cords, exposed wires, damaged sockets, or loose connections should be discarded. If you replace a bulb, make sure it matches the original wattage. Only use lights that have been tested for safety – look for a certification mark from UL, CSA, ETL or other nationally-recognized laboratories. 
  • Don’t string more than three strands of lights together per extension cord. Use heavy-duty extension cords, and only use cords outdoors if they are designated for outdoor use. Outdoor lights should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). GFCIs help prevent electric shock by breaking the circuit when differences in the currents of hot and neutral wires occur. Fasten outdoor lights securely to your home or trees with clips. Never staple, nail through, or fasten electrical wires or extensions cords in any way that might damage the wire or insulation.
  • Turn lights and other electrical decorations off whenever you go to sleep or any time you leave the house. Using a timer can help with this chore.
  • Place lit candles away from flammable or combustible materials, including other decorations, fabrics, plastic, or paper products. Do not place candles where they can easily be knocked over and never leave a lit candle unattended. When possible, use battery-operated candles in place of traditional candles to avoid the hazards of an open flame.
  • Holiday plants like Poinsettias, Mistletoe, Holly and Lilies can be harmful to pets so place them out of reach.
  • Have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly, and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.

Take the time to decorate with safety in mind to fully enjoy all that the holiday season has to offer. For more information regarding Sentry Window Guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

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Preventing Childhood Injuries this Summer

June 17, 2021 by

Summer is the time for kids to be active and have more time for fun and games. With the increase in activity comes an increase in the chance for an accidental injury. Keep your summer fun from turning into a summer fiasco with the following tips for preventing childhood injuries.

  • Keep your children safe while traveling around the city this summer. When riding a bicycle, all riders should follow the basic rules of the road and always wear a bicycle helmet. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute suggests that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head and brain injury by up to 88% for both adults and children. Teach your child the proper way to get on and off a bus starting with standing three large steps from the curb and to always remain visible to the bus driver. Teach your child pedestrian safety and to always look right, look left, look then right again when crossing the street.
  • Play it safe at the local park. Playground falls are inevitable, but the goal is to reduce the risk of serious injury with falls from monkey bars, slides, and swings. Look for playgrounds situated on soft surfaces like rubber or wood chips as opposed to concrete or gravel. Supervise children on playgrounds to ensure they are using the equipment properly and not engaging in risky behavior. 
  • Give young children your full attention around water of any kind. Accidental drownings can occur in even a few inches of water. Teach children to never go near or in water without adult permission. Keep gates around back-yard pools and hot tubs locked, empty containers like buckets and wading pools when not in use, and make sure your children wear life jackets when boating and engaging in other water sports.
  • Anchor the furniture in your home. Use fasteners and brackets to ensure bookshelves, dressers and cabinets will not fall over. An afternoon of summer boredom can turn your children into little climbing monkeys. You can’t tell simply by looking at a piece of furniture whether it’s stable, so if your furniture isn’t already anchored to the wall, now is the time to do so.
  • Never leave small children unattended around open windows. To help prevent children from climbing up to an open window, don’t place furniture near windows. Properly installed window guards are your best defense in preventing window falls. 
  • Be aware of the dangers associated with summer grilling and campfires. Children are at risk of severe burns caused by getting too close to a hot grill or fire and should never be left unattended around these hot surfaces. Both campfires and grills should be placed in an open area away from anything that could be flammable and all grill equipment should be properly inspected and maintained to prevent any malfunction.

We hope these tips will help you lead by example to make your summer a safe one for your children. 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 Tagged With: , ,
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