The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), as a co-founder of the Window Safety Task Force, encourages everyone to recognize the importance of practicing window safety by designating one week each spring to promoting safety and education. National Window Safety Week, April 6-12, is used as a time to remind all households that open windows can be dangerous for young children who are not properly supervised. This is especially important with the arrival of warm weather when windows are opened to provide ventilation.

“AAMA is proud to be an active member of the Window Safety Task Force and to educate parents and families about how to prevent accidental falls from windows,” says Rich Walker, president and CEO of AAMA. “Take time this week to walk through your home and ensure that it is a safe place for all children.”

According to a study conducted by Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Center for Injury Research & Policy in Columbus, Ohio, every year, more than 5,100 children under the age of 18 in the U.S. are treated for window fall-related injuries. According to the study, these falls can lead to more deaths and serious injuries than any other type of fall.

In order to help protect children from window falls, the Window Safety Task Force offers the following tips:
* Avoid the placement of furniture near windows to prevent children from climbing
* Do not rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall
* Keep children’s play away from open windows and doors
* Install building code-compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open or window guards with release mechanisms to help prevent a fall
* Teach your child how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency

The Window Safety Task Force works to heighten the awareness of what parents and caregivers should do to help keep their homes and families safer from the risks of accidental falls. Though National Window Safety Week is an important annual reminder, window safety education should be ongoing and should occur throughout the year.

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Filed under: AAMA, ASSOCIATION NEWS, Events, Homes + Neighborhoods