Window Falls

Falls are the leading cause of injury to children, and falls from windows involving young children are especially serious. Window falls are preventable. To prevent window falls, parents and caregivers should: ■ Install approved window guards. Massachusetts building codes require that a window guard must have a quick- release that can be operated by an adult or older child in an emergency. Be sure the window guards you purchase include this feature. Window stops and window guards can be purchased at local hardware stores and chain department stores. Window stops range in cost from $5-10 each. Child safety window guards cost about $40, depending upon the style/brand/window size. It is important to remember that these need to be installed correctly in order to work. ■ Keep all furniture, especially beds, sofas and dressers, or anything else children can climb, away from windows. ■ Lock all unopened doors and windows. ■ Open windows from the top down, especially when there are children in the home. ■ If you must open windows from the bottom, buy window-stops at your local hardware store that will limit the opening to less than 4 inches. Window-stops can be disabled by an adult or older child in an emergency

Weekly Car Seat Safety Clinic