On July 6, 2010, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a statement urging parents and caregivers to consider safety precautions before opening windows. CPSC warns that open windows may seem harmless but “have proven to be sources of injury and death for young children.”
CPSC explains that in recent weeks, several children have fallen from windows. CPSC data indicates that on average, about eight deaths occur yearly to children five years or younger while an estimated 3,300 children five and younger are treated each year in U.S. hospital emergency departments. Hospitalization was required for about 34 percent of these children after falling from a window.
These deaths and injuries frequently occur when kids push themselves against window screens or climb onto furniture located next to an open window. "The deaths and life-altering injuries we have seen here at CPSC are heart-breaking and in many cases preventable," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "We want parents and caregivers to think safety before opening the windows where young children are present."
To help prevent injuries and tragedies, CPSC offers the following safety tips:
- 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
- Never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows
- Whenever possible, open windows from the top — not the bottom
- Keep furniture away from windows, to discourage children from climbing near windows.
- Some jurisdictions require landlords to install guards. Check your local regulations.
The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg has been litigating personal injury cases for over twenty years and can help you determine your legal options.
If you or a family member has suffered an injury as a result of window accident and you have questions about your legal rights, you can request a free case evaluation from our firm by clicking on Free Case Evaluation. You may also contact us toll free at 1-877-934-6274.
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