Windows + Security Screens = Safety For College and University Students

Kane Security Window Screens on Jameson Hall, Rutgers University
(Douglass Campus) - New Brunswick, NJ

Accidental falls from window openings not only endanger the lives of children (see previous post Windows & Balconies: 4 Building Tips for Child Safety & Fall Protection), young adults are also at a high risk for severe injury or death.

The fear of every college or university official is experiencing a student tragedy that could have easily been prevented by utilizing the correct precautionary measures.  Unfortunately, many higher education facilities all over the country - and the world - have had this same fear realized, such as the institutions mentioned in the articles below:

University of Michigan:
Man Falls 43 Feet From University Of Michigan Dorm Window « CBS Detroit
  
Penn State University (Apartments):
State College Police Investigating Student Fall Through Window Screen

University of Central Missouri:
News:  Warrensburg, Mo.  Update: UCM Student Who Fell From 4th Floor Dorm Window Screen is Paralyzed

To learn more about falls and how to prevent them, read through the following lists.  This information could potentially save a life on your college campus.

Facts About Falls:

• Falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths wordwide.
• 37.3 million falls that are severe enough to require medical attention, occur each year.

To Prevent Falls From Windows:

• Move all furniture away from windows.
• Remember that typical cloth window security screens will not prevent an accidental fall. For more information on fall protection screens, CLICK HERE.
• Ladders to dormitory roofs and roofs themselves should be considered off limits for students.
• If windows are open, use window stops to prevent the window from opening more than 4".
• Install window security screens on all second story or higher windows.

To learn more about security window screens for your college or university housing facilities, CLICK HERE.

Architectural Railing Applications (PART 1)

Architectural railings can be fabricated from a wide variety of materials and are available in a number of different styles.

In this 4-part series, we'll discuss various types of railings for different architectural applications.

PART 1:

• Balcony Railings
• Stair Railings
• Patio Railings

PART 2:

• Commercial Building Railings
• Industrial Railings
• Shopping Mall Railings

PART 3:

• Pool Railings
• Entrance Railings
• Guardrail

PART 4:

• Handrail
• Deck Railings

Higher Ed Window Safety Series (PART 3): Benefits of Security Screens

Protector Security Screen
Schreyer Honors College 

In part 3 of this window safety series, you'll learn how...

• ...security screens can protect windows even when window air conditioner units are in use. 

• ...security screens on high rise residence halls can be be safer for students. 

• ...natural light filtrates through properly made security screens, with help from the right type of infill.

Higher Ed Window Safety Series (PART 2): Benefits of Security Screens

In part two of the Higher Ed Window Safety Series, we'll discuss security screens in relation to insect protection, fire codes and historic architecture.

Kane's Narrowline security screens on Denis Edward Hall
at the University of Scranton

Higher Ed Window Safety Series (PART 1): Benefits of Security Screens

Top-hinged protector security screens on McKee Hall
at Penn State Main Campus

For colleges and universities, campus security is a serious concern.  Over the years, most schools have evolved their security plan(s) to include perimeter fencing, guarded entrances, outdoor lighting, emergency call boxes magnetic card readers and expanded police patrols, in addition to the installation of security screens on residence hall windows.

In this three-part blog series, we'll discuss the nine ways security screens prevent criminal activity at higher education facilities, while saving the institution valuable time and money in replacement screens: