It's that time of year when Minnesotans are embracing every hint of spring weather and opening windows to get fresh air after months of being cooped up indoors. Hennepin Healthcare pediatricians and trauma experts are again reminding families to implement safety measures before opening opportunities for children to experience injuries from falling through windows. "Unfortunately, HCMC treats many children who fall from windows each year," explains Trauma Prevention Specialist Kaytlin Hanson. "We have already seen multiple children fall from windows since we've seen our weather warming up. Remember, screens keep bugs out – but they do not keep children in." In the past 12 years HCMC has seen 94 children for injuries related to falls from windows, mostly babies who can crawl through age three, but children of any age can be at risk. "These are preventable and very traumatic injuries for children and their families," adds Hanson. "And sadly, they can also be fatal." To prevent your child from falling this spring and summer, consider the following tips:
- Install window guards and stops. Again, screens are meant to keep bugs out, not children in. Properly installed window guards prevent unintentional window falls. For windows above the first floor, include an emergency release device in case of fire. Window stops are also a great idea. They allow fresh air and a cross breeze to come in and still ensure windows can't open wide enough for kids to fall out.
- Open windows from the top and close after use. If you have windows that can open from both top and bottom, make a habit of opening just the top to prevent accidental falls. Keep in mind that as kids grow, they may have enough strength, dexterity and curiosity to open the bottom so try to keep windows locked and closed when they are not being used.
- Keep kids from climbing near windows. For your crawlers and climbers, move chairs, cribs and other furniture away from windows to help prevent window falls. Never move a child who appears to be seriously injured after a fall — call 911 and let trained medical personnel move the child with proper precautions.
- Away from home: Be sure to consider places your children are visiting in addition to the safety of your own home. Are appropriate safeguards in place? Are your children being watched carefully?
HCMC is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and public teaching hospital located in downtown Minneapolis offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient pediatric care.
