Falls from Windows

The combination of open windows and unsupervised children can result in serious injury or death. The risk of children falling out an open window is particularly high during the summer months or whenever temperatures rise. Remember: screens are made to keep bugs out, not children in. Window screens can easily give way under a child’s weight and do not provide protection against accidental falls.

Remember the four inch rule: Do not leave any window open more than four inches. Any window open more than four inches is potentially dangerous for children.

Children’s cribs, beds and other furniture should be moved away from open windows. Active children are often at risk of falling.

Window guards are simple to install and remove and can prevent falls when used correctly. If guards or other safety measures such as window stops are not used, parents and caregivers should follow the four-inch rule.

For more information, view and print out the Window Safety poster.