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: , ,

What is National Window Safety Week? 

March 22, 2023 by

With the arrival of spring, you can spot many open windows around New York City, letting in the sunshine and spring breeze. National Window Safety Week is observed during the first full week of April each year just as the windows begin to open around New York City. This campaign spreads awareness to help families understand the role of windows in escaping an emergency and to safeguard against accidental window falls.

Window Guards in New York City

New York City was the first major city in the United States to adopt a window guard ordinance. Child fall injuries and deaths have drastically declined since the ordinance was put into place in 1976. Window guards are metal or aluminum devices specifically designed to prevent children from falling out of windows. These devices are not designed to stop a burglar. Window guards should be placed in every window of residential buildings and in common areas, except for windows leading to fire escapes. All window types should have window guards or limiting devices, including sliding windows with screens. Insect screens should never be relied upon to prevent a window fall. Screens cannot support the weight of a child. In New York City, the ordinance states that window guards must be installed in all residential buildings with three or more units under the following conditions:

  • All windows of a unit in which a child under the age of 10 is a full-time resident.
  • All windows in hallways and common areas of a building where a child under the age of 10 is a full-time resident.
  • Full-time residents may request window guards for any reason, even if there are no children in a unit. (in a building with 3+ units).

Additional Tips to Keep Everyone Safe Around Windows

  • Check that existing window guards are properly installed. Gently but firmly push on the window guards to make sure the bars don’t feel loose. Screws should be tightly fastened and secured on both sides of the window guard. Measure to make sure there is no more than a 4.5 in gap of space between bars or the bars and window sills. Inspect window frames for loose or rotting wood or crumbling plaster. If the window structure is not sound, the window guard will not hold.
  • Close and lock all windows when they are not in use. Also, make sure to always lock doors to balconies when not in use. Never leave a child unsupervised on a balcony.
  • Open windows from the top instead of the bottom whenever that is an option.
  • Window stops should be used to prevent windows from opening more than four inches. Window stops allow you to enjoy a fresh breeze while ensuring windows won’t open wide enough to invite a fall. 
  • Never leave small children unattended around open windows. Keep children’s play areas away from windows. Keep furniture away from windows to help prevent children from climbing up to an open window. 

National Window Safety Week is in April, but we encourage you to practice window safety all year long! At Sentry Window Guards our main focus is your child’s safety. We provide various types of childproof window locking mechanisms and safety devices for your home or building. For more information regarding our products and how they keep everyone safe at home in NYC, contact us today!

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The First Week of April is National Window Safety Week

March 30, 2022 by

Window Safety Week was established in 1997 to spread awareness about the role of windows in escaping a fire or in other emergencies and to safeguard against accidental window falls. It is no coincidence that this week is held at the beginning of spring when many choose to open their windows to let in fresh spring air. Spend some time going through these tips to learn how to observe window safety year round.

Preventing Falls From Windows

Every year, over thousands of children younger than 18 years of age are treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for injuries related to falls from windows. With the right habits and preventative measures put in place, almost all of these accidents and injuries are avoidable.

  • Never leave small children unattended around open windows. 
  • Windows should be closed and locked when they are not in use.
  • Whenever possible, open windows from the top instead of the bottom.
  • Use window stops to prevent windows from opening more than four inches. Window stops can allow you to enjoy a fresh breeze while ensuring windows won’t open wide enough to invite a fall. 
  • 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.
  • Create soft landing surfaces such as bushes or plant beds under windows to help prevent serious injuries in case of a fall.  
  • Discuss with older children and teenagers the dangers of climbing out of or jumping from windows for any reason other than an emergency.
  • Properly installed window guards are your best defense in preventing window falls.

Establishing an Emergency Escape Route

If a disaster such as a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely. This is why having and practicing an escape plan is so important. According to an NFPA survey, while 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 45% of those have practiced it. Both planning and practicing are important, especially if there are young children or anyone with mobility issues in the home.

  • Draw a map of your home, indicating all windows and doors. As a family, visit each room of your home and find two ways out, labeling them on your map. Make sure windows and doors required for an escape are all accessible and 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. Provide emergency escape ladders in upper story windows where needed and teach everyone in the family how to use them.
  • Decide upon and draw up a meeting place outside of your home for everyone to gather after an evacuation. This can be a tree, light pole, or mailbox that is a safe distance away from the front of your home. Teach everyone to NEVER go back inside a burning building. Once they are out, stay out.
  • Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year. Practice once at night and once during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out. During the drill, test the smoke alarms so that everyone knows the sound. 

At Sentry Window Guards, our business is to keep your family safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring. To help spread the word about National Window Safety Week, make sure to share these tips with everyone you know. For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today! 

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How to Observe Window Safety Year Round

April 15, 2020 by

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.

 

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National Window Safety Week 2019

April 1, 2019 by

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reminds everyone that it only takes 5 minutes to prevent a child from falling out a window!

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.

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: ,
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