Open windows a risk for small children

Published 2:15 pm Friday, May 16, 2008

Today’s hot temperatures have area health officials worried about small children who can fall out of open windows.

Most window-fall deaths happen during spring and summer months, said Snohomish County SafeKIDS spokeswoman Shawneri Guzman.

Adult supervision is the most effective way to prevent tragedies, she said.

Screens easily can give way under a child’s weight. Parents and caregivers should consider installing federally approved window guards.

It’s also a good idea to move chairs, cribs, beds and other furniture away from windows.