Following a recent incident in which a young child fell from a second-story window, the Snoqualmie Fire Department is reminding residents about steps they can take to prevent accidental window falls and protect small children.
According to Public Health Seattle & King County, nearly 5,000 children are injured each year after falling out of a window. Most falls happen during the spring and summer months when windows are open, and most children who fall are between the ages of two and five.
Follow these steps to prevent window falls:
- Always supervise small children.
- Do not open windows more than 4 inches.
- If possible, open windows from the top down.
- Move furniture away from windows.
- Install window stops or releasable child-safety window guards.
- Never rely on window screens to prevent falls. Screens are designed to pop out for fire safety, and a toddler’s weight can easily push one out.
You can also watch a helpful video on preventing window falls from UW Medicine.
Taking a few simple precautions can help prevent window falls and ensure the safety of young children. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, parents and caregivers can create a safer environment and reduce the risk of these tragic accidents.
Remember, it only takes a moment for a fall to happen, but with the proper measures, you can help keep your little ones out of harm’s way.
[Information provided by the Snoqualmie Fire Department]
