Eight deaths, 3,300 injuries occur each year from children falling out of windows

When people open their windows during the summer, the number of children falling out of them increases. In recent weeks, several children have fallen from windows.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about eight deaths occur annually to children age 5 or younger while an estimated 3,300 children in the same age group are treated each year in U.S. hospital emergency departments. Hospitalization was required for about 34 percent of these children.

These deaths and injuries frequently occur when kids push themselves against window screens or climb onto furniture located next to an open window.

Parents and caregivers can prevent these life-altering injuries by installing window guards. Window guards are easy to install and have a release mechanism in the event of an emergency.

To help prevent injuries and tragedies, the commission recommends the following safety tips:

• Use window guards or window stops to safeguard your children. For windows on the sixth floor and below, install window guards that adults and older children can open easily in case of fire. Install window stops so that windows open no more than 4 inches.
• Never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows.
• Open windows from the top not the bottom, whenever possible.
• Keep furniture away from windows to discourage children from climbing near windows.
• Check your local regulations to see if landlords are required to install guards.

Taking action to install window guards can prevent a tragedy from happening in your family.