FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2018
Contact:
Kraig Troxell, Media Relations and Communications Manager, 703-771-5278
Kraig.Troxell@loudoun.gov
Laura Rinehart, Public Information Officer, 571-233-1649
Laura.Rinehart@loudoun.gov
LCSO & LCFR Provide Safety Tips to Avoid Window Falls
Loudoun County, VA- Warmer weather is in the forecast and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue remind parents to be careful when they leave windows open to let in fresh air and enjoy the warmer temperatures.
In recent years, emergency personnel in Loudoun have responded to incidents where small children have fallen from multiple stories after leaning against window screens that gave way. Serious incidents such as these are an often-overlooked safety issue for children.
The National Safety Council offers these tips to protect children from window falls:
•Keep windows closed and locked when children are around.
•Only open windows that children cannot access.
•Avoid placing furniture near windows to prevent children from climbing.
•Do not rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall.
•Enforce rules to keep children away from playing near windows or patio doors.
Residents are also encouraged to buy small wind-up devices, if you don’t have cordless window coverings, to gather window cords and elevate them out of a child’s reach. These cords can result in injury or even death if a child becomes entangled.
For more safety tips, please visit www.sheriff.loudoun.gov/windowfalls, for information from the National Safety Council website on window safety.
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