- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AwarenessSafety
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Week starting with the 1st Sunday of April
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- 🛡️
National Window Safety Week takes place during the first week of April each year, shining a light on critical prevention measures. Learn how to secure your windows, install safety devices, and educate your family to prevent tragic fall-related incidents.
Want to sponsor National Window Safety Week? Learn how
History of National Window Safety Week
In 1997, the National Safety Council (N.S.C.) and the Window Safety Task Force established Window Safety week. The first week of April signals the arrival of spring. Spring is when everyone wants to throw open those windows and let in the fresh air. It’s also a time when accidents and falls from windows are statistically more likely to happen.
National Window Safety Week aims to help families learn the best ways to safeguard against window falls. It also provides information on how windows are crucial to escaping a fire or other emergencies in the house.
Most families consider window falls as freak accidents. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The United States records over 3,300 injuries from window falls each year — accidents grave enough to warrant hospitalization. Out of this number, around eight children under five years die.
Children in preschool are usually more susceptible to window falls. They’re curious without having developed a sense of danger. Often, their growth and development take place rapidly. Before you know it, they’re opening and closing lids or clambering up a window sill!
During National Window Safety Week, families can get a refresher course on safety tips regarding windows and children. Keeping windows locked is always golden. Try to arrange furniture away from windows as much as possible.
For extra safety, baby-proof all the windows with window guards and stops. It’s important not to rely on screens. Screens keep bugs and critters away but won’t do much for accident prevention.
National Window Safety Week is the perfect time to reinforce how to use windows as an emergency escape. Families can teach children how to access an emergency exit window in case of a fire. The NSC provides a ton of fun family resources like infographics and coloring books to make window safety engaging and interactive.
National Window Safety Week timeline
Early window designs have cloth, wood, or animal hide as screens.
19th-century window guards add to a home’s aesthetics with decorative medallions, tassels, or flowers.
American pattern makers continue to design sturdy yet ornamental ironwork inspired by the Victorian age.
Civic leader Charlotte Spiegel introduces the window-guard rule mandating all N.Y.C. apartments with children under 10 years to install window-limiting devices.
National Window Safety Week FAQs
When is National Window Safety Week?
In 2027, National Window Safety Week takes place from Sunday, April 4 to Saturday, April 10, encouraging families to prioritize window fall prevention.
How many window fall accidents occur annually?
Data consistently shows thousands of window fall-related injuries each year, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and safety measures, particularly for children under five.
What are the common causes of window falls?
Factors contributing to window falls often involve a lack of supervision, absence of window safety devices, and the false belief that screens can prevent falls.
How can I make my windows safer?
Always open windows from the top if possible, teach children about window dangers, and ensure all safety devices are properly installed and maintained.
How to Observe National Window Safety Week
Childproof your windows
Start the week off right by double-checking window guards, if you haven’t already. Consider installing stops since they limit the time for which a window can remain open.
Review your home’s safety
Make a note of windows that are potential safety hazards. Remember to never leave children unsupervised around them. You could also keep those shut and choose other windows to let in the fresh air.
Draw up a safety plan
Get the family involved and draw a safety plan for your home. Sketch the house on paper, designating safety zones or emergency exits — maybe color those in for emphasis. Include pictorial depictions of what to do in case of a fire, earthquake, or burglary.
5 Facts About Windows That Will Blow Your Mind
The Romans first used glass windows
Before the Romans, windows were simply holes inside walls.
Stained glass
The use of stained glass was popular in Medieval Churches during the Middle Ages.
Windows for the wealthy only
During the 1600s, people paid higher taxes based on the number of windows in a house since they were deemed a luxury.
The bigger, the better
Large windows were indicators of a family’s social status in the 1700s.
The underrated skylight
They may have fallen out of favor, but skylights offer 30% more light than vertical windows of the same size.
Why National Window Safety Week is Important
For safety’s sake
There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for our family. If something as simple as double-checking windows can keep them safe, it’s worth doing.
Reviewing security is always a good idea
We usually associate April with spring cleaning. National Window Safety Week gives us an incentive to review our home’s safety. It’s something we should do more often but typically don’t get around to doing.
Peace of mind
Parents worry a lot. Window safety is one less thing to stress about in the house. It helps everyone, especially parents, unwind and relax for a while. Appreciating great weather is easier when you know your home is secure.
National Window Safety Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 5–11 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | April 4–10 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | April 2–8 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | April 1–7 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2030 | April 7–13 | Sunday–Saturday |
