8/12/2019
- Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
With summer in full swing, the windows in your home are probably open from time to time. To a curious young child an open window can equal danger. Every year eight children under the age of 5 die from falling out a window, and over 3,300 are taken to the hospital with injuries according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The Window Safety Task Force offers tips to help protect children in your home:
- Close and lock windows when children are in the room. Open windows out of children’s reach when ventilation is needed.
- Ensure play areas are away from windows.
- Move furniture, or other objects from windows that could be used as ladder.
- Install a removable window guard that will prevent young children from accessing a window. Teach other family members not at risk of falling out of a window how to remove the guard in an emergency.
Window cords can also be a safety hazard for young children, consider installing cordless window coverings. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports windows as one of the top five hazards hidden in the home. Most home window accidents are preventable when the proper security precautions are taken. Be safe and stay cool this summer!
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation protects and empowers consumers through advocacy and education, and ensures a fair playing field for the Massachusetts businesses its agencies regulate.