Toddlers falling out of windows - Shoreline Fire wants to prevent this summer tragedy

Window Guards prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches

One of the saddest stories of summer is that of toddlers falling out of windows. In the summer heat, people open windows for ventilation. The screens seem secure - until a young child leans, falls, or bumps into them.

From The Seattle Times

Four young children have been treated at Harborview Medical Center in the past month (May) after falling from windows, prompting health officials to warn parents about the under-recognized danger. 

“The most common scenario we see here is a kid who is being what most parents would consider well-supervised,” said Dr. Brian Johnston, chief of pediatrics at Harborview in Seattle. “They lean against a window screen, the screen pops out — and they fall after it.” 

Last year, 14 children were treated at Harborview alone after window falls, officials said. More than 330 children in Washington were hospitalized after such incidents between 2011 and 2013, according to the state Trauma Registry.

The Shoreline Fire department wants to make sure that doesn't happen here. They are trying to raise awareness about the danger of open windows around small children.

Shoreline Fire is giving out these kit

Beyond that, they are giving out Window Guards. These simple devices prevent a window from being opened more than four inches, providing ventilation and child safety.

Just drop by the department headquarters at 175th and Aurora during business hours. (enter parking lot from southbound Aurora).

Sponsored by Safe Kids Washington and the Regional Trauma Council. More information available here