Every year in April, our nation’s safety experts highlight the importance of teaching children how to prevent injuries associated with home windows. The goal of these campaigns is to save lives and protect citizens across the United States. Although it is only January, our Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey & New York Metro replacement window team is concerned about helping parents make wise decisions that impact their family every month of the year.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 38% of all home fire deaths occur in winter months (December through February). Winter choices probably will not directly reduce home fires, but prevention and proper design could save lives.
Your home’s windows play two distinct roles. The first, providing protection from air, moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations, also serves to help us keep our inside environment more comfortable, while allowing us to shape the view of our world. The second role is more about safety than comfort. If properly designed and manufactured, replacement windows not only deter would-be invaders from entering our homes uninvited, they provide safe egress during fires and prevent children from crawling through an opened window, which could result in severe injuries.
The challenge for replacement window and patio door manufactures is designing windows that are simple to open when homeowners want to bring in some fresh air, while providing mechanisms that also allow you to make sure a small child cannot crawl through the opening accidentally. The answer shouldn’t be an “either, or” solution. The best way to protect your family is to plan and practice – plan for comfort, energy-efficiency and climate control, but practice your escape plan should an emergency arrive.
While time spent designing your new replacement windows and patio doors typically focuses on choosing the right frame and trim colors, selecting hardware that is easy to operate or has a finish that complements your interior décor and deciding whether to install double-hung, tilt-to-clean windows in the family room or a picture window flanked by sliders, remember to consider safety features. Adding recessed locks can be a deterrent for crooks looking for easy entrance, but you have to have a plan for getting out in a hurry when necessary. And, every room, especially sleeping quarters, should have at least one window large enough for emergency personnel to climb through and people inside to climb out quickly. Talk to your window specialist about how you will use each room, who will spend the most time in every room and any concerns you have about safety or security before you finalize your window designs.
Any open window has a certain risk level, especially when it comes to unsupervised children. Double-hung windows can provide lots of fresh air, without enticing little ones to crawl outside. Also, insect screens are designed and built to prevent insects and animals from coming inside your home, not keep a young child – or an adult – from falling through the window. So, while you practice your escape route, be sure to teach children how to get out of the house, where to go when they are outside and how to properly use your windows every day for comfort and safety.
The NFPA and industry experts offer these recommendations for parents to improve window safety within in the home.
We encourage all homeowners – those who are ready to update their homes with modern, high-performance replacement windows and patio doors – and those who are just seeking information for a future project – to consider safety and comfort. Energy-efficient replacement windows today are beautiful and effectively block sound and moisture so you can have an indoor climate you will enjoy. If you have questions about designing dual-purpose windows for your home, simply fill in the short form on this page or give us a call at (866) 609-5033.
Learn Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Buying Replacement Windows
