Columbus, Ohio (PRWEB) April 07, 2014
To support the efforts of National Window Safety Week, sponsored by the National Safety Counci l on April 6-12, 2014, Simonton Windows reminds parents to be extremely cautious with open windows in the home.
"Adults can never be too vigilant when it comes to making sure that children understand the importance of safety around windows," says Matthew Minerd, director of marketing for Simonton Windows. "It only takes a few seconds for a child to push too hard against a screen in an open window for an accident or fall to occur.
"Parents can help safeguard children in the home by keeping furniture (including cribs) and anything else a child can climb on, away from windows. And, if your home or apartment has Double Hung windows, open only the top part of the window that children cannot reach, to allow for ventilation.”
The organization Safe Kids Worldwide TM reports that unintentional falls are the number one cause of non-fatal injury for children, and 43 percent of fall-related injuries are among children ages four and under. Plus, children are twice as likely to be injured in a fall-related injury at home than at a childcare facility. The organization reports that children fall out of windows more frequently in large urban areas and low-income neighborhoods.
Simonton Windows offers these safety tips for windows in the home:
Tip #1 - Remember the primary purpose of a window screen is to keep insects outside. Never push on screens, as they will not support the weight of a child or family pet.
Tip #2 - Lock windows when not in use to protect against intruders and make it more difficult for curious young children to open windows.
Tip #3 - Do not paint or nail windows shut. Every window in the home that is designed to be opened should be operational in case of an emergency.
Tip #4 - Refrain from nailing or attaching decorative lights to the interior or exterior of window frames.
Tip #5 - Plant shrubs or grass, and place “soft landscaping” like bark or mulch, directly underneath windows to help lessen the impact should someone accidentally fall out of a window.
Minerd also recommends that adults consult their window installers to make certain that their homes have windows with clear openings that meet egress requirements in the living spaces as required by state and local building codes. “Egress windows provide emergency exits in your home during a fire,” says Minerd. “Make sure your home has the proper amount of egress windows in every room used as a bedroom and on any floor or basement level with habitable living space.”
Families with small children should pay special attention to windows and patio doors. Start with practicing home emergency fire drills. Show them the fastest safety route to the outside and make certain children know under what circumstances to use a window to exit a home. Since small children tend to “hide” from fire, make sure they understand how important it is to safely and quickly exit the home should a fire occur.
“If a door is hot to the touch or not safe to exit through during a fire, then both children and adults should exit through an open window,” says Minerd. “Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not to break the window glass. Doing so could cause injury. During family safety drills, show children how to operate windows and how to use chain escape ladders that should be kept in all bedrooms located above ground level. Also establish a designated meeting place for the family outside the home.”
About Simonton Windows
Simonton Windows has been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors, Four Years in a Row. Tied in 2013.” by J.D. Power and Associates. Simonton produces ENERGY STAR® qualified vinyl replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products.
Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2013, 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute.
Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has b