The Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council has designated this week Window Safety Week, encouraging parents and caregivers to recognize the importance of proper precautions and awareness.

“It only takes seconds for a preventable window fall to occur,” says Becky Turpin, director of Home and Community Safety at the National Safety Council. “To avoid these needless tragedies, it is very important for parents and caregivers to take steps to prevent home falls.”

Andersen Corp. is participating in the movement by encouraging families to familiarize themselves with important window safety information. The company sponsors the LookOut For Kids window safety program, which offers materials and tips to help educate homeowners and caregivers on how to keep their families and visitors safe from the risks of window falls or injuries, along with how families can safely use their windows for emergency escape and rescue purposes.

“As the weather warms up across the country, many of us look forward to spending time outside and letting the fresh air in by opening our windows,” says Grant Davis, vice president and general manager of Andersen Corp.’s residential and commercial pro division. “When opening windows, it’s important to remember that an open window can present a potential fall danger to a child. Through the LookOut For Kids program, Andersen reminds parents and caregivers about steps they can take to help keep children safe.”

The eight basic tips set forth by both the National Safety Council and Andersen’s LookOut for Kids program include:

• When young children are around, keep windows closed and locked.
• When opening a window for ventilation, use those located out of a child’s reach and prevent gaining access to an open window.
• Avoid placing furniture near to windows to prevent young children from climbing.
• Don’t allow children to jump on beds or other furniture to help reduce potential falls.
• Don’t rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall. Insect screens are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep children in the home.
• Supervise children to keep child’s play away from windows, balconies or patio doors.
• Install ASTM F2090-compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open or window guards (with quick-release mechanisms in case of fire or other emergency) to help prevent falls.
• Teach children how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency, such as a fire.

Andersen’s program also calls for making an emergency escape plan, and including a window as one of the escape routes, as well as not painting, nailing or sealing windows shut (you must be able to easily open them for escape or rescue in the event of a fire in your home). The company also urges homeowners not to forget about door and window safety when making repairs to their homes.