Device Aims To Prevent Children From Accidentally Falling Out Windows
BOSTON (CBS) – It can happen in an instant - a young child falling right out of a window.
But one simple device could save a life.
Three children have fallen out windows in the Boston area in the past week, and nationwide, there are about 5,000 of those accidents every year.
On Friday, a 4-year-old boy was seriously hurt after falling out the second floor window of his Taunton apartment. Then on Saturday, a 1-year-old fell out a third floor window in Dorchester.
A week ago in Brockton a 3-year-old fell but luckily landed on bushes and wasn't seriously hurt.
"You need to have this in your home if you have small children," said Shalaya West of the Boston Public Health Commission as she points to a window guard, designed to prevent such falls. "They're really simple to use and to get out if you have and emergency."
Residents can start by screwing in the two side pieces, then double release buttons on the bars are used to install and remove the guard.
Other safety tips include keeping furniture away from windows so a child can't climb up on it, locking all unopened windows, and opening windows from the top rather than from the bottom if you can.
But according to West, the guards are the best bet.
"They should not be able to just pop this out. This is very sturdy," said West.
The children injured in Taunton and Dorchester over the weekend remain in critical condition.
Boston residents can buy window guards at a discount at Boston Building Resources.