Springtime is just around the corner, and for many of us, our favorite time of year in the desert. Opening your windows to let fresh air inside is a symbol of the renewal of spring when plants begin to blossom and nature comes to life.
While open windows let the scents and sounds of springtime into your home, it’s important to be aware of the risks of open windows, too: children and pets falling out and intruders getting in.
According to statistics, more than 5,000 children under the age of 11 fall out of windows each year; but with these safety tips in mind, you can prevent children and pets from falls and injuries. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to keep intruders out.
Window Safety Tips
Let breezes in, keep kids and pets safe.
If you have double-hung windows, open them from the top. It makes it much harder for kids and pets to slip through an open, less-accessible space if your windows are open from the top. Additionally, an open window that’s too high to reach without a ladder can prevent potential intruders from breaking in.
Don’t rely on screens for protection.
If a child or pet leans or pushes on a screen, the screen can fall out and so can they. Your screens are a great deterrent for bugs, but not much else. Screens can easily fall out of place from the inside, or be removed from the outside. Don’t rely on them as a safety feature.
Move furniture away from windows.
Even when you open a window from the top, be sure there isn’t a couch or bed, or anything tempting for toddlers to climb on to access a window.
Assess your windows from the outside.
Can you jiggle or push them open? Are the locks secure? If not, or if windows are in a location that make them easy-access points into your home, consider adding safety precautions like removable window guards. These aluminum or metal grates are designed to prevent children and pets from falling out, but they’re also a great visual deterrent for would-be intruders who won’t waste the effort removing them to get inside.
Repair or replace broken windows.
We don’t just mean a broken window pane. If your window locks don’t function properly and lock tight when you shut them, children may be able to push them open from the bottom and risk falling out. It may be time to consider replacement windows for better security as well as better energy efficiency.
With these safety tips in mind, you can enjoy the fresh springtime air, without the worry of potential injuries or intruders.
Have more questions? We’re the window experts. XO Windows can help you keep your home secure and provide a beautiful view of the outdoors. Give us a call or email us today, or fill out a request for a free estimate.
Happy Spring from all of us at XO Windows!