7 Window Safety Tips to Prevent Injury
If you need window glass replacement in Canberra, Shane's Glass has got you covered. We offer a range of proven and tested options for you to choose from, including float glass, toughened glass, and double-glazed units.
Keeping children safe from potential dangers is a top priority for any parent. When kids are playing, it’s easy to get so caught up in keeping an eye on them that you forget to think about how they might be able to hurt themselves. However, with a little planning, you can reduce the risk of your child injuring themselves while playing by the windows at home.
In many homes, there are large windows with glass-paned doors or windows located directly above ground level. While these features may add visual appeal and provide plenty of natural light, they also present a danger if not properly secured. Kids will always find ways to put something – or themselves – in danger. However, by following our helpful safety tips below, you can significantly decrease the risk of your child suffering a window injury.
Helpful Window Safety Tips
These are some helpful tips to remember when it comes to window safety for kids:
1. Replace Old Window Glass with Laminated Glass
As we all know, laminated glass is two or more glass sheets with a plastic interlayer between them. It's hard for kids to break laminated glass, so this can be a good choice if you're concerned about window safety. Replacing old window glass with laminated glass is not only a great way to keep your children safe, but it can also help improve the energy efficiency of your home.
2. Don’t Forget the Window Lock!
If you have double-hung or casement windows, or any type of sliding window, be sure to always use the locking mechanism. These types of windows are often found in bedrooms and other areas of the home where kids may be playing or sleeping.
If you have a large sliding glass door, such as the one you would use for your patio, make sure it is also locked at all times. If it is not, the door may be susceptible to break-ins, so you don’t want a window left open that could allow someone to gain access to your home.
3. Install Window Safety Devices
Compulsory safety window devices that can be locked, such as handles and latches on windows, are a quick and easy way to prevent children from accessing dangerous areas of your home. They are also useful for keeping toddlers from opening windows, as well as for keeping pets out of certain areas of your home.
However, to be effective, they must be locked at all times, including when the windows are in use during hot or cold weather. If you have child safety locks on your doors, make sure to keep the keys out of reach of children. If the safety device locks are manual, you can keep them engaged at all times, or simply lock them whenever the door is open.
4. Be Aware of Blind Spots
Many parents are also unaware of the fact that there are often blind spots in their home that children can easily get behind. While you may be able to see the top of a couch from a standing position, children may be able to climb up and put themselves in harm’s way behind it.
If you have an open floor plan, be sure to keep your children away from behind large furniture pieces and, when possible, keep large furniture items out of rooms where small children play. If you have a baby, you may also want to consider installing a network of corner and wall guards, as well as a protective gate, to keep her safe from potential harm. If you have a large window, use a baby gate to keep your child away from the glass, preferably in a room where the window or door is out of sight.
5. Use Child-Safe Cords and Drapes
If you want to minimise the risk of injury caused by blind-spot dangers, use cordless window treatments, such as horizontal or vertical blinds, instead of traditional window coverings with cords. While these can be very useful in blocking out sunlight, they can also be dangerous to children if they become entangled or caught in them.
Keep in mind that cords can often be hard to spot, even for adults, so it is important to keep cords out of reach of children whenever possible. If you use a drape or other decorative covering with a pull string, be sure to lock the end of the string inside the curtain so that it can’t be pulled by a curious child. If you use a tie-back on a drape, be sure that the ends are tucked out of reach.
6. Add a Helper Handle
If you have a double-hung window in your home, install a helper handle to assist you with opening and closing the window. This handy gadget can also be used to prevent children from opening the window. If your child is old enough to understand the importance of keeping the window closed, you can use a helper handle as a visual reminder by attaching a brightly coloured ribbon to the device. When the ribbon is out, the window should be kept closed.
7. Add a Ledger and/or Window Guard
A ledger is a metal bar designed to attach to the side of a window frame and rest on the windowsill. It keeps the window opening more than a couple of inches, making it impossible for kids to climb in or out of the window. A ledger may not be the best choice if you have young children who may attempt to climb out of the window, especially if they are sleeping in a room with a low window.
When applied to a ground-level or basement window, a ledger can be an effective way to keep young children from accessing the space between the window and the house, where they could get stuck. However, if your child is tall enough to reach the window from the outside, the device may not be enough to prevent him from entering the house.
A window guard is a barrier that attaches to the outside of a window frame to prevent a child from climbing in or out of the window. Window guards work well, especially for windows on the ground floor and in basements, but it can be very hard for an adult to take them off.
Protect Your Family
Among the many types of windows we install and replace, laminated glass windows are durable and safe, making them one of the best when it comes to window safety. Contact us today on 0409 070 224 to learn more about our services!
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