Window Safety

A child’s fall from a window is a tragic occurrence. Sadly, several such tragedies have occurred this summer across the country.

Windows, however, also play a vital role in home safety, serving as a secondary escape route in the event of a fire or other emergency. The Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council reminds parents that windows play a vital role in home fire safety, but they can also pose a risk of a fall in the home if other safety measures are not followed.

Recognizing the important role windows play in emergencies, legislators throughout the United States have mandated building codes requiring that specific windows be designated as points of escape. The size and placement of windows designated as points of escape in a residence are also governed by building codes. The ability to easily open windows and remove insect screens without special knowledge or tools is critical to safely escape through a window.

The Window Safety Task Force, comprised of members representing the NFPA, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window & Door Manufacturers Association, the Screen Manufacturers Association, and other organizations, was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety.

Resources

Every year the last full week of April, the National Safety Council celebrates National Window Safety Week. As window safety awareness continues 52 weeks a year, we invite you to use our information and downloadable brochures.

The National Safety Council and the window industry has compiled some very useful information to help you learn about the potential risks of window falls in your home. There are simple, common-sense actions you can take to reduce these risks.

To help you with window safety, we've included the following:

It is suitable, permissible, and encouraged to download, print and distribute window safety materials found at this webpage.

(NOTE: You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader™ to view and print the downloadable documents.)

 

Two FREE printed resources on the topic of window safety from National Safety Council’s Window Safety Task Force are also available to order. They are:

  • "Keeping the Promise of Safety" brochure provides helpful window safety tips. This brochure is free. Individual Brochures may be downloaded here (pdf 36 KB). For larger quantities (we ask that you please order in quantities of 100), you may order them from the National Safety Council. The brochures are free. To order, contact NSC Customer Service at: 800-621-7619, and ask for the "Keeping the Promise of Safety" brochure, product number 00006-6215.
  • Window Safety Information Kit includes the "Keeping the Promise of Safety Brochure," as well as Window Safety Tip Sheets, Window Safety Checklist, Window Safety Press Release, and Window Safety Activity and Coloring Book. This kit is available FREE from the National Safety Council. To order, contact NSC Customer Service at 800-621-7619, and ask for the "Window Safety Information Kit," product number 00006-6210. You may order these in any quantity.

Upcoming Window Safety Week Observances:

April 22-28, 2007

Thank you for visiting our website and for educating yourself on this important issue. This information is supplied by the National Safety Council's Community Safety Division.