Unusually warm March weather leads to open windows, potential danger for children

March 21, 2012

With unusually warm March weather, home windows around north central Ohio are already springing open. Parents and others who have small children in their homes need to take extra care to ensure the youngsters are safe around those windows.

As the weather gets warmer, parents areurged to think defensively. Open windows are an inviting place for kids to explore and to cool off, but they are also a place where children can get hurt.

In Rhode Island this week, a 3-year-old accidentally fell 25 feet from a second-story window and had to be hospitalized. In Maine, two toddlers fell 16 feet from the same window but escaped serious injury.

Experts say it is unrealistic to try to keep your windows closed in warm weather unless your home has central air conditioning. A smarter strategy is to make sure your open windows are safe.

Even secure window screens may not be enough since those screens are not built to hold the weight of a child. Parents can reduce a child's temptations to climb to the window by making sure there are no couches, bureaus or dressers in front of the windows.

Parents can also use physical barriers, such as safety gates, to keep children away from open windows.

If you have questions, please contact Richland County Children Services at 41-774-4100.

 

 

« Back to News