Childproofing Windows

childproof-windowsEvery year, thousands of children are seriously injured from falling out of windows. And tragically, about eight children die. What’s even worse, most of these accidents can be prevented. Education is key, and also a willingness to not play the odds. While most children are fine around windows, if it’s your child who is injured or killed, statistics won’t matter at all.

What can parents do to keep their children as safe as possible around windows? The National Safety Coalition, as part of the Window Safety Task Force, recommends several suggestions:

  • Try not to have children’s play areas near windows
  • Don’t leave reachable windows unlocked or open
  • Remember that screens aren’t safety devices
  • Don’t have furniture near windows
  • Install hardware that doesn’t let windows open more than a few inches

In addition to these safety tips, caregivers can also invest in different kinds of hardware.

Childproof locks are available for both sliding and double-hung windows. Wedges are a type of device allowing windows to open only a little, but caregivers need to ensure the opening is less than four inches. A charley bar, placed high up in the window frame, can be used to stop a sliding window from opening.

Sometimes windows need to be opened for ventilation. If that’s a possibility, parents should be proactive and install window guards – devices consisting of steel bars evenly spaced so that children can’t squeeze through them. They can fit most windows even with the screens still intact, and they work with a variety of sizes. The bars are horizontal or vertical, and the system is designed to be easily opened by adults or older children. And unlike screens, they can’t be pushed on and breached by children.

Any method used to childproof windows must also be safe, meaning that adults should be able to remove or disable them easily in the case of an emergency. Remember: Windows themselves are safety devices – in the case of a fire, people must be able to get out of any room in the home.

Childproofing windows is such a simple step to take. Encourage any parents and caregivers to make sure they’re doing everything they can to keep children safe.

Time to Decorate

windows-decorate

You’ve signed the closing papers, your furniture is all moved in, and you’re ready to start making your new house into a comfortable home. It’s easy to outfit your walls with decorations. Your furniture is already complementing your carpeting. And your kitchen color scheme is complete.

But adding a sense of charm to your windows (and interior doors) can be overlooked. At the very least, it can be a bit complicated.

Let’s take a few moments to outline a reasonable plan for adding decorations to the windows to your home’s soul.

  1. Why do you want window treatments? Just like you carefully considered the function of your windows, you need to decide the purpose for your window treatments. Do you just want some decoration? Privacy from the neighbors? Light blocking for your baby’s room? Different parts of the home may have differing needs, so plan accordingly.
  1. Do you have a color scheme? If your home is already color coordinated, you may need to take some time to decide how your curtains and drapes will complement everything else.
  1. What’s the best fit? Some parts of the home may need floor length drapes, while areas like the kitchen are usually better served with shorter curtains. Have you planned each window’s needs?
  1. Do they measure up? Now you’re getting to the fun part. Get your tape measure and notepad ready. Windows throughout a home have different lengths and widths, both of which are vital data points when you buy the final products. Some windows may need two curtains that meet in the middle. Others may need just one valance across the top. Perhaps you want vertical or horizontal blinds. Take all of this into account when measuring and placing your order.
  1. How will they hang? Curtain rods, poles, and tension rods – oh my! There are definitely a lot of choices. Which ones are easiest for your family members to adjust? Which ones look better in your home? For ideas, check out sites like Pinterest or even ask a sales consultant at the store.
  1. Who’s going to do the work? Finally, you’ve got everything figured out. But are you going to install your new décor on your own, or hire an installation expert? The number of windows, the number of treatment styles, your time, and your budget are all huge factors to consider.

While it may be complex in the beginning, stepping back and planning will leave you more time to enjoy your window coverings for years to come. Are you ready to get started?