Most accidents happen at home, and that goes double for children. If you have toddlers around the house, you know that their curiosity is unlimited, and you’ve probably put childproof latches on cabinets and drawers to keep them out of places they shouldn’t be. But one hazard that’s often overlooked is the danger posed by windows and doors.
The Journal of Pediatrics says that over 5.000 children are hospitalized with serious injuries from falling out of windows every year. That’s about 14 every day, and 4 out of 5 of those falls were through screened windows, proving that a screen is not a sufficient safety barrier for a curious or rambunctious kid. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your children safe around windows and doors. Here are a few ideas:
Childproof Window Guards
Typically made of steel or aluminum, these guards screw into the window frame for secure mounting. They have a grille-like look with grid openings of 4” or less to prevent tykes from getting through and are the only option for side-hung casement or top-hung awning windows. Window guards are easily removed by adults in case of emergency.
Window Stops and Wedges
Stops prevent windows and sliding doors from opening past a certain point. They are small and unobtrusive and are usually screwed into the sash moulding or frame. They can be easily flipped open by an adult; many automatically reset when the window is lowered. Another type uses a large suction cup to mount directly to the window glass. Window stops also prevent the window from being opened by intruders.
Channel Locks
Most commonly used on sliding doors, these clamp onto the lower inside track to prevent the door from opening beyond a certain point.
Pin Locks
These work by inserting a metal pin through holes aligned in the window frame and an opposing surface such as a fixed pane of a single-hung window, patio slider or second sash. They are probably the strongest and work well for security too—as long as you don’t lose the pin.
Charley Bars
A fashion upgrade from putting broomsticks in the channels, Charley Bars mount to the frame and can be raised or lowered into place to keep windows and sliding doors from opening past a certain point. Some telescope to various settings. Commonly found on patio doors, Charley Bars can also be mounted vertically for windows.
Of course teaching your children about the dangers of falling through windows is a good place to start. You can lower the temptation, too, by keeping furniture and other climbing aids away from windows.
The better your safety measures, the more likely you are to keep your kids out of trouble. You don’t have to tackle the job alone, either. A good place to start is with top-quality locks. The pros at Alexius Security, Denver’s Hometown Locksmiths, have over 16 years’ experience in reliable and affordable locking systems for doors and windows. Our expert locksmiths are up-to-date on the latest window security products and can help you find the one that’s right for you.
