Spring is here, and with it comes the almost irresistible desire for young kids to peer out of windows to see and smell what the season has to offer. Who can blame them, right? But with that desire comes the risk of window accidents, and they happen more often than you imagine and often with grim results.

According to the Senior Director of Safe Communities America for the National Safety Council, Donna Stein-Harris, “Tragic window falls can happen in just seconds. When it comes to window safety, there is no substitute for the importance of adult supervision of children to help keep them safe.”

National Window Safety Week runs from April 7th – 13th and Lincoln Military Housing will be participating in the promotion of this week through, increased communication and awareness of child window safety throughout the community.  In addition to increased communication and awareness during this very important week we also have added warning stickers to every second story window in our homes. These stickers are there to help remind you and your family of the dangers of windows. Take some time this week to explain to your children what these stickers are for and stop by  The National Safety Council’s website. They have some great tips that you can use to teach your family about window safety!

In fact, here are a few tips you can implement immediately around your home:

• Provide extra supervision to children when near windows, balconies or patio doors
• When opening windows for ventilation, only open ones that children cannot access
• Insect screens are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep children in–do not rely on them to prevent falls
• Be sure to practice your family’s emergency escape plan at least twice a year, and keep all exits clear of hazards like cords or toys
• If there are children around, make sure to keep all reachable windows closed and locked
• Make sure nothing is blocking or preventing a window from being opened in the case of an emergency

We hope these help, and don’t forget to visit your housing office for more information and to get a fun filled Window Safety Coloring Book for the kids!

photo courtesy of nsc.org