This summer, as you enjoy the warmer temperatures with your windows open, you can help protect your children by using window precautions and best practices. We spoke with Jorge Montano-Figueroa, Pediatric Injury Prevention Specialist at Renown Children’s Hospital, to gather tips and best practices for window safety, including conversation starters to help prevent window falls.
Tips to Safely Enjoy Summer Temperatures from Your Window
Supervise young children and keep climbing hazards away from windows
Install child safety devices like window stops and guards
Remember that window screens are NOT safety devices
When speaking to children of any age about window safety, focus your language on protection and avoid evoking fear. Consistent reminders will help reinforce safe practices, so you may need to repeat yourself several times. Modeling safe behaviors is also essential—allow children to watch and learn from you when practicing window safety.
For toddlers (ages 1-3), keep the conversation simple using phrases to explain windows are for looking, not touching or climbing. Use visual cues to indicate safe spots near windows. Remain consistent and share frequent reminders to reinforce safe practices.
Preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) may understand the concept of window safety through stories, books or games that demonstrate safe practices and allow you to discuss rules together.
Children in school (ages 6-10) may understand clear explanations or analogies. Empower them to understand the importance of using windows safely.
Preteens and teenagers (ages 11-13) may understand the consequences and actions of not practicing window safety. Bring them into the conversation and get their input, making decisions about best practices together.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of window falls and keep your children safe. A few safety steps and clear communication can make a big difference in preventing these potentially tragic accidents.
Recent cold-water incidents in the region serve as an important reminder that cold water affects the body differently than cold air. Sudden immersion can trigger an involuntary gasp reflex, impair breathing, and quickly reduce a person's ability to swim or stay afloat. Understanding these risks, recognizing the signs of cold-water distress, and taking simple safety precautions can help everyone enjoy the water more safely.
As this season beckons more time in the great outdoors for all ages, the risk of bug bites from simply being outside more often also increases. “While many bug bites cause nothing more than an annoying itch or bump, in some cases, they can pose more serious health risks if not treated promptly,” says Dr. Russell Stodtmeister, a family medicine physician with Renown Health.
High temperatures can pose serious risks, especially for children who are less able to regulate their body temperature. Infants are particularly vulnerable and may not show obvious signs of distress. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle—even for a moment—as heatstroke can happen quickly and be fatal.
