David Prejeant – ABC Windows
Here is an interesting story that I ran across from The National Safety Council.
It deals with accidental falls from old-style sash windows. Need more information? Well, just give me a call!
“A fall from a window can happen quickly and result in serious injury,” said Donna Stein-Harris, senior director of Safe Communities America for the National Safety Council. “Opening the top half of a double-hung window to let in a cool breeze and keeping the bottom closed can literally save a life.”What is the difference in a single and double hung window? Well, a double hung window is where both the top and bottom sash operate; meaning, they both move up and down, and in a vinyl replacement window also fold in. A single hung window only has one sash that operates, the bottom.
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Also, they rarely fold in. Findings form the NSC Window Safety Task Force show that are an average of 5,100 children injured each year because of a fall from windows. The scary part; toddlers account for two-thirds of this statistic. Most homes build in prior to the 70’s have wood windows, and a majority of wood windows are not double hung, making it impossible to lower the top sash for safety. Starting in the 80’s and through the 90’s most were made from aluminum, and again, most are not double hung. And even in this day and time most vinyl windows installed in new construction homes are single hung windows.
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The National Safety Council offers these tips to help protect children from window falls:
Avoid placing furniture young children can climb on near windows.
Do not lean on screens or rely on them to prevent a window fall. Insect screens are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep children in the home.
Supervise children to prevent them from playing near windows, balconies or patio doors.
Install building code-compliant devices such as window guards (with quick-release mechanisms in case of fire).
Teach your children how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency.
A good vinyl replacement window should not only be double hung, but should also include other safety features; double strength glass, full steel locking mechanisms, and dual night latches.
Call us for a free evaluation of your windows!
David Prejeant, President
ABC Windows of The Shoals
ICS Roofing
256 381-2229
