Pediatric Injuries Due to Window Falls: Facts & Info

Each year in the United States, approximately 3,300 children under the age of 5 are injured due to window falls.  Eight (8) are fatally injured for the same reason.

Window falls can be prevented by installing security screens on all second floor windows (and above) of apartments and public housing facilities.  The right security screen will be HUD Certified (Heavy), offer vandalism, insect AND child guard protection, and will easily install into the existing window track, with the option to remove the screen in case of a fire.  It should also feature a strong and durable frame and stainless steel wire mesh infill.  CLICK HERE to see an example of this type of screen. 

Below are some additional facts about window falls compiled from Safe Kids USA: 

• Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury for all children ages 14 and under.

• Windows and playground equipment are major risk factors for toddlers and older children.

• Window falls occur more frequently in large urban areas and low-income neighborhoods.

• Children living in multi-unit dwelling buildings have the highest number of window fall incidents.

• A recent study showed that more window falls occur in the spring and summer than any other seasons.  Falls most frequently occur between noon and early evening, the most common playtime for children.

• Window fall victims are more likely to be male children, under 5 years of age and playing unsupervised at the time of the fall.

• Low-income children are more likely to be injured from falls due to unsafe environments, including aging or deteriorating housing.

• The risk of falls from buildings among minority children under 5 years of age is approximately twice that of caucasian children.

• [Cloth] window screens are not enough.  Protect children from falling out by installing window guards on upper floors and making sure they are designed to open quickly from the inside in case of fire.  For more information on security window screens, which include wire mesh or perforated panel infill that also act as child guards, CLICK HERE.

• In New York City and Boston, education and window guard distribution programs (named "Children Can't Fly" & "Kids Can't Fly", respectively) resulted in a 96 percent reduction in the incidence of window falls over a 10 year period.

For general information on security screens, CLICK HERE.  

Additional Resource (Study):

Pediatric Injuries Attributable to Falls From Windows in the 
United States in 1990-2008