The time has come to open up our windows to let the fresh air in. Better yet, open several windows so that the apartment is "aired out" after being closed up for the long winter. This is all fine and good… But if you have small children in the house, don’t forget to take special precautions!
A lot of people think that children only fall from high-rises or in poor neighborhoods. Not so! Most children fall from two- or three-flats, and these accidents happen in poor, middle-class and wealthy neighborhoods. This summer, almost every week, an average of three Chicago area kids will be hospitalized after falling from a window. You can help save a child’s life and/or prevent serious injuries by following these simple steps:
* Never open windows more than four inches
* Open windows from the top down if possible
* Move furniture away from windows
* Install window stops or releasable child-safety
window guards and
* Remember, screens keep bugs out, not kids in!
This information is provided by the Injury Free Coalition for Kids sponsored by Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago, "Where kids come first." For more information, please call (773) 975-8613 or visit www.injuryfree.org/chicago. |
