If you have young children or grandchildren or are expecting tiny visitors to your Dayton home, it’s important to ensure that your home is safe. When prepping your home for young inhabitants and guests, don’t forget to childproof your windows. Bright, beautiful windows are a big temptation, but falls, pinches, breaks, and frightening escapes are generally preventable with some advance planning.
Here are some suggestions for effectively childproofing your windows.
Even if they are screened, windows may pose a major threat to infants, toddlers, and young children. Falls are one of most common causes of injury and death among children, so making sure that windows are secure is an absolute must. There are plenty of safety tools, but screens are not designed to be a childproofing method. Screens are simply meant to keep pests and debris out. They aren’t meant to to keep children in and shouldn’t be considered a childproofing tool. In older homes, windows may have been exposed to toxic lead paint, requiring professional installation of replacement windows.
One of the most vital childproofing tactics for windows is locking them. Broken locks should be repaired as soon as they are noticed. Customized locks can also be purchased to fit specialty windows. Window guards are another great option, especially for second-story windows. Most models are difficult for children to open, but are easily opened by adults.
It’s just as important to childproof the areas around the windows in your Dayton home. Choose furniture placement carefully to minimize the risk a curious child taking a climb. Blinds and other window coverings can also be dangerous. To prevent strangulation and failing hardware, invest in cordless shades and hang curtains out of the reach of children. When considering replacement windows, put some thought into the best options for your household. It’s also a good idea to talk to children about glass and window safety.
It’s possible that your existing windows are difficult to childproof properly. The professionals at Renewal by Andersen, Dayton can help. A professional can work with you to assess the safety of your windows and recommend appropriate replacements. When you are ready to get started, contact us for your free, in-home consultation. We will help you find windows that are energy-efficient, safe and fit in with the décor of your Dayton home.
