Window Safety and Preventing Falls

Q. I am looking for a way to secure my third floor windows to prevent an accidental fall. Window guards look like the best option but are so much more expensive than window locks or wedges. Am I covering all the bases if I go with the cheaper option? Basically, I don't want to cheap out on my kids' safety, but I don't want to spend unnecessary money either. Tricia, Calgary, Alberta

A. Preventing falls from windows is important to consider, since the Consumer Product Safety Commission states that, in the United States, 'about 12 children 10 years old and younger die each year, and more than 4,000 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for window fall-related injuries. CPSC knows of 120 window-fall related deaths to children since 1990.'

In an addition to a window guard, you can use a window stop to prevent a window from opening more than 4 inches.

The main downside to using a window stop or wedge is that you will have to leave the windows mostly shut when your children are around. A window guard or gate offers the added benefit that you can open the windows and still not have to worry about your child falling through them.

Or consider some combination of the two childproofing methods, installing window guards on a few windows that you often open for ventilation, and locks or wedges on the others windows that you usually keep closed.

To keep your children safe, in addition to close supervision, you should also:

• not allow your children to play around windows, even if they are closed, since they can be hurt if they fall through the glass of a closed window
• not rely on screens to keep your kids from falling
• consider installing landscaping under windows that might cushion a fall
• install windows that can open from the top, instead of the bottom, if possible
• keep furniture away from windows, so that your children aren't tempted to climb on them

Also keep in mind that if you are installing a window guard, since you are below the 6th floor, you should install one that can be easily opened by adults and older children in case of a fire. Otherwise, if you were on the 7th floor or above, you could install a permanent window guard.

Featured Childproofing Products

• Guardian Angel Window Guard
• KidCo Window Wedge - prevents windows from being opened wide enough to allow falls
• KidCo Window Safety Kit Assortment - an assortment of window wedges, blindwinders, and sliding window locks