Facts about the National Safety Council's Window Safety Task Force
The Window Safety Task Force, comprised of members representing the NFPA, the American Architectural
Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window & Door Manufacturers Association, the Screen Manufacturers
Association (SMA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),
and other organizations, was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety.
About Window Safety Week
Observed the first full week in April annually, Window Safety Week is designed to heighten the awareness
of what North Americans should do to help keep their home and family safer from the risk of accidental falls
or injuries in the home, especially as windows are open to provide ventilation. While Window Safety Week is observed
annually, safety education occurs throughout the year.
Purpose
The National Safety Council's Window Safety Task Force
strives to provide educational information and heighten safety awareness to help
consumers take the necessary action to prevent the risk of window falls and to understand
the vital role windows and doors play in fire safety.
Key elements
The task force emphasizes the life-saving role doors
and windows play as the primary exits and secondary means of escape in the event
of a fire. Doors serve as exits, while windows provide an alternate means of escape.
The group also reminds North Americans that screens are designed to keep insect
pests out, rather than holding a child's weight; therefore, children should not
be left unattended around open windows. In homes with young children, for greater
safety, windows within reach of children should remain closed and locked, or when
double-hung windows are available, the bottom sash should remain closed, while the
top sash is opened to provide ventilation. In addition, the coalition reminds consumers
to avoid placing furniture under windows, to prevent potential climbing and falling
hazards for young children, or hinder a quick escape in the event of a fire. Responsible
adult supervision at all times is an essential element in helping keep children
safe around open windows and doors.
Participants
Working in conjunction with the National Safety Council,
trade associations and their representatives from the window, door and screen manufacturing
industries are voluntarily teaming up to help educate and inform the public of the
importance of taking proactive measures to enhance safety in the home. The team
focused on safety issues is a joint effort of the membership of the American Architectural
Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window and Door Manufacturers Association
(WDMA), and Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) in cooperation with the National
Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to promote safety awareness. In addition, the
committee has formed a study group focused on better understanding safety issues
and how to reduce potential fatalities and injuries caused by home fires and falls.
In addition to the committee, other members of this study group include representatives
of the Home Safety Council (HSC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Boston
Public Housing Project, code officials and others dedicated to safety education
and awareness.
Tips for enhancing safety around windows, doors and screens
are found online
here.
