Windows are light, bright, and give a great view of the goings on outside. This makes them very attractive to little ones. But windows also pose a real threat to your children, especially because young people do not realize the risk or dangers. Even windows with screens result in a number of serious injuries or fatalities for thousands of children each year. So here are a few things you can do to protect your child from unnecessary dangers of your home windows.
The first thing you want to do is assess where you put your furniture. In bedrooms for little children, you want to do what you can to keep beds, bookshelves, and chairs away from the windows. You also want to get rid of things your child might move, stack, and climb to gain access to the windows. Identifying these risks and taking the steps to remove them will go a long way towards childproofing your windows. And after this step, you may not need as many other childproofing products.
Most casement and crank windows are fairly easy to childproof. All you have to do is remove the handle from the crank. Most unscrew or pull straight off. Just be sure when you remove the handle, you work carefully so you don’t lose or damage any pieces. Then, when your children are older, or you need to open the window, you can simply replace the crank.
If you have security locks on your windows, dig out those keys to keep windows shut and locked tight. If not, most windows come with latches that are out of reach for children. These will work well enough in most cases. But if you have low windows that don’t have reliable latches, you will want to find an alternative to help keep children safe. Unfortunately, retrofitting security locks can be expensive. Most parents don’t want the hassle or expense. Luckily there are other ready-made childproofing products to consider.
If you don’t want to lock your windows because you enjoy natural ventilation, then window stops are another good option. These work on sliding windows, single-hung windows, and double-hung windows. You can place these wedges so the window does not open any winder than four inches. That way you can still get ventilation, but don’t have to worry about your child pushing it wider and falling through.
You use baby gates to guard your stairs against crawlers and toddlers. There is a similar device you can use for your windows. These products allow you to open the window fully when things really heat up in the warmer months, but still keep little ones safe.
Have questions about the safest windows for children in Highland Park, IL? Call the professionals at Scientific Home Services at (847) 752-0370. They will provide you with the best products to fit your needs and budget. Stop by 7240 Saint Louis Ave., Skokie, IL 60076 to see firsthand our commitment to excellent service.
