Window and Home Safety Tips
Window Safety
DOS
- Close and lock windows.
- Position beds and other furniture away from windows.
- Keep blinds, cords, drapes, etc. out of children’s reach.
- Consider installing window opening control devices or window guards.
- Keep patio doors, storm doors and entrance doors locked.
- Consider window placement when landscaping your home. Plant shrubs under windows.
- Develop a family escape plan.
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in working condition.
DON'TS
- Don't leave young children unsupervised.
- Don't depend on insect screens to keep children from falling out of windows.
- Don't apply energy-efficient films and coverings to windows designated in your family emergency plan as escape or rescue windows.
- Don't paint, nail or weatherstrip windows shut.
- Don't forget about window and door safety when making repairs to the interior or exterior of your home.
Fall Prevention
Out of Reach
Screen Safety
Limit Openings
Consider installing window opening control devices or window guards that comply with local building codes. When properly installed, these devices will limit the window sash to less than a four-inch opening. These devices have easy-release mechanisms so they can be disengaged to allow the window to fully open if needed for an emergency escape or rescue.
Look Outside
Fire Safety
Smoke Detectors
The majority of fatal fires occur at night while people are asleep. Install smoke detectors in each sleeping room and on each level and test monthly.
Have a Plan
Know Your Exits
In your plan, include two ways to escape from every room in case one way is blocked by fire or smoke. In most cases, a window or a door is an alternative means of escape or rescue.
Maintenance & Security
Ladder Safety
Do not stand on sofas or beds or place ladders and scaffolding against windows, patio doors or storm doors when making repairs. Make sure ladders are placed on level surfaces to avoid falling against the glass.
Broken Glass
Many injuries occur when broken glass is mishandled during repairs. If making the repair yourself, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for unpacking and safe installation of the replacement piece or unit. Wear gloves when handling broken glass.
Repair Broken Parts
Don't Paint Shut
Don’t paint, nail or weatherstrip windows shut. You must be able to open them in an emergency.
Keep Them Locked
As a security precaution, keep windows and doors closed and locked to discourage intruders. An open window or door can be an invitation to theft.
General Window & Door Safety
- Choose safety glass, such as tempered glass, as an extra precaution for windows and doors in potentially hazardous locations. Upon impact, safety glass breaks into small pieces rather than large, sharp pieces.
- Keep children’s play away from windows and all doors, including patio doors, storm doors and entrance doors. Falling through the glass can cause serious injury.
- If patio doors have access to a swimming pool, install a four-sided fence around your pool. Consider equipping your patio door with an alarm that sounds immediately after the door is opened. Consult the local building code requirements in your area. In many states, alarms of this type are required.
Consult your local building code, fire and police departments regarding general home safety, fire and security tips.
For more home safety tips and information, visit www.msc.org.
If you would like a copy of our window and home safety tips brochure, more resource information, details about how to obtain warning labels for the insect screens in your home or information about opening control devices for your Andersen products, please email LOFK@andersencorp.com.
Download Materials
Look Out For Kids Brochure
