Keeping Kids Safe When the Weather Warms Up
It’s a sad story that is repeated nearly every summer: A child is seriously hurt after falling through an open window.
In fact, there’s a case in Portland this very week:
There are a lot of great resources for parents to prevent tragedies like this one.
Some tips from Doernbecher Children’s Hospital:
* Keep windows locked when they are closed.
* Never let children open windows by themselves.
* If you must open windows, open them from the top if possible.
* Prevent windows from opening more than four inches by installing window guards or window stops.
* In windows on the 6th floor and below, install window guards that can easily be removed by adults and older children in the event of a fire.
* Beware! Window screens may give you a false sense of security. They do not prevent falls.
* Teach your children not to lean out of or play near open windows.
* Don’t place furniture children may climb on near windows.
* Consider installing grass, shrubs or mulch under windows. They may help cushion a fall.
Some more tips from Doernbecher can be found here.
MORE INFO
FLIER FROM OHSU’S THINK FIRST PROGRAM
It’s amazing how frequently this happens. People need to learn from these stories and take better care when it comes to opening windows and teach their kids to be more careful when around windows. With really young children it’s best to tell then not to go near open windows at all.