Prevent Window Falls in Children

Hidden Hazards: Preventing Window Falls in Warm Weather

Window Falls Overview

Window falls are a serious — and preventable — cause of injury for young children. Whether you live in a single-family home or a high-rise apartment, all families are at risk.

Each year, 3,500 to 5,000 children in the U.S. are hospitalized after falling from windows. Most of these injuries happen in the child’s own home, often during warmer months when windows are open for ventilation.

At Harborview Medical Center, Washington’s only Level I pediatric and adult trauma center, we treat 40 to 50 young children annually for window fall injuries. In 2024 alone (January through August), 29 children were already treated for these injuries. These can include:

  • Serious head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Neck, abdominal, or facial trauma

Unfortunately, 1 in 3 children need intensive care, and 1 in 4 leave the hospital with long-term disabilities.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau; BMJ Journals: Injury Prevention; Harborview Medical Center

Window Fall Prevention

Four Inches is the Key to Prevention

The safest way to allow airflow without risking a fall is to open windows no more than four inches. Children — especially those ages 2 to 5 — are most at risk because they’re naturally curious, quick, and unaware of danger.

Why Screens Aren’t Enough

Window screens do not prevent falls. They’re designed to pop out easily in case of fire, which means even a toddler can push through them with minimal force.

Safety Tips to Prevent Window Falls:

  • Keep Windows Closed: Especially in play areas or children’s bedrooms.
  • Open from the Top: If possible, open windows from the top instead of the bottom.
  • Install Window Stops or Guards:
    • Stops prevent horizontal-sliding windows from opening more than four inches.
    • Guards create a barrier — just ensure they are adult-operable and meet fire safety codes.
  • Use Air Conditioning (AC) if Available: Window AC units should be installed using one-way tamper-resistant screws in apartments where a child aged 10 or younger lives.
    • The AC should be permanently and securely bolted into the window frame without leaving any open space greater than four-and-a-half inches.
  • Move Furniture: Keep beds, chairs, and other climbable items away from windows.
  • Supervise Young Children: Active supervision can help prevent accidents.
  • No Sill Sitting or Jumping: Don’t allow children to sit or play on window sills.
  • Landscape Strategically: If feasible, place grass, bark, or shrubs under windows to help cushion a potential fall.
  • Talk to Your Landlord or Builder: New homes and apartments should meet window safety standards. Ask if safety features are installed.

Courtesy: UW Medicine, Harborview Medical Center

Resources

Nationwide Children’s Hospital –

• Window Falls and Prevention Tips

National Safety Council –

• Prevent child strangulations! Keep window cords away from kids!
• Go Cordless on Your Window Coverings
• Windows are Vital to Survival, but Keep Safety in Mind

Prevent Child Injury – 

• Window Falls Toolkit

Public Health—Seattle & King County –

• Preventing Window Falls
• Stop the Summer Epidemic – Window Safety for Kids (in multiple languages)

Safe Kids Worldwide –

• Falls
• Window Safety Tips

Seattle Children’s –

• Prevent Window Falls

United States Consumer Product Safety Commission –

• Top 5 Hidden Home Hazards

Window Covering Safety Council –

• Window Covering Cord Safety
• Revised ANSI/WCMA Window Covering Safety Standard (Effective June 1, 2024)

Downloadables

Visit our Digital Resource Center to learn more about the dangers of Window Falls — plus, more injury and violence prevention topics year-round!