Recently, we have had some sunny and hot weather in Northern New York. Some may even say that it has been too hot. I think of all the days I spent shoveling out my drive and waiting for my car to warm up. No, this weather suits me just fine. With another week long forecast of temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s, many Northern New Yorkers are looking for ways to beat the heat. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, I can almost guarantee that every window in your house is open as far is it can go. With open windows and young children in your home, we would like to remind you of 5 steps you can take to help keep your children safe.

CPSC recommends the following:

1. Safeguard your children by using window guards or window stops.                                                                                                                                                                                      – Install window guards to prevent children from falling out of windows. (For windows on the 6th 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.
2. Never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows.
3. Whenever possible, open windows from the top — not the bottom.
4. Keep furniture away from windows, to discourage children from climbing near windows.
5. Some jurisdictions require landlords to install guards. Check your local regulations.

Every year, about 8 children die from window falls and about 3,300 are treated in the hospital due to falls from an open window. Don’t let your child be one of these statistics.

 Do you have any tips for parents that aren’t mentioned above? We’d love to hear from you.

Source: CPSC