Wednesday, 15 May 2013

Youngsters, pets and seniors tumbling out windows: A common but preventable danger

















With warm Chinook winds and clear blue skies rolling through summer – cracking open a window isn’t just tempting, it’s already happened.

Come summertime, most of us don’t give a second thought to letting fresh air in via our windows.

However, by doing so, we’ve actually increased the chance of an accidental tumble or fall happening. 

Particularly, small kids, pets and seniors are at high risk for falling through windows.

And while elderly people could potentially take a tumble after losing their balance, children may be drawn to windows out of curiosity.

A likely scenario could be when a bed or chest of drawers is placed under a window – inquisitive children are often attracted to climbing atop furniture to peek out a window.

Also, keep in mind that window screens are not secure or heavy enough to keep a child or pet from toppling out.

Leaving the windows open while you’re at work, may likewise cause harm to your beloved cat or dog.

Take this anonymous example submitted by one of our staff members:

“I have a beautiful German Shepard who loves to go outside.”

“One day I left the upstairs bedroom window open and came home with my dog sunbathing and walking around on the roof!”

“He had jumped through my bedroom window screen in his haste to go outside.”

“I now keep any second story windows shut when he’s home alone!”

Yikes… Luckily these incidences can be prevented easily:
  • Don’t depend on screens to keep children and pets in.
  • Get safety guards or window stops installed.
  • Keep furniture away from windows.
  • Consider planting flowers or plants underneath windows to make a surprise landing softer.
  • Supervise children, especially if there’s an open window close by.

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