Window Safety: Protecting Your Home

It’s National Window Safety Month, a timely reminder for homeowners to prioritise the safety and security of their windows. While windows are essential for bringing natural light and fresh air into your home, they can also present safety and security risks if not properly fitted or maintained. From protecting young children to securing your property against potential intruders, ensuring your windows are safe is an important part of caring for your home.

Why Window Safety Matters

Windows are often overlooked when it comes to home safety, yet they can be a significant source of danger. Each year, many accidents occur due to falls from windows, especially involving young children.

In addition to the risk of injury, windows that are not securely locked or fitted can become easy access points for burglars. By recognising these hazards and taking steps to improve window safety, you can protect your family and property.

Child Safety and Windows

Children are naturally curious and may not fully understand the risks posed by open windows. Falls from windows are unfortunately a common cause of serious injury among young children, particularly in homes with more than one storey.

Installing window guards or stops is an effective way to limit how far a window can open, helping to prevent children from climbing or accidentally falling out. These safety hardware options can be added on to your windows from T&K, ensuring your home and family’s safety. It is also wise to keep furniture such as beds, chairs, and other climbable items away from windows, since children often use these to gain access to open windows.

Securing windows with childproof locks prevents little ones from opening them without supervision. Alongside these physical safety measures, it is important to talk to children about the dangers windows can present and encourage them to keep away from open windows.

Secure Windows and Fittings

Security is another crucial aspect of window safety. Burglars tend to target windows on the ground floor or those easily accessible from outside, especially if the locks or fittings are outdated or weak. Upgrading to high-quality locks can make a significant difference. Modern locking systems, such as multi-point locks, secure the window at several points along the frame, making forced entry much more difficult.

Installing toughened or laminated glass also helps protect against break-ins, as these types of glass are far more resistant to impact than standard panes. Regularly checking window frames and hinges for damage or wear is important because weakened fittings can be a security risk. Adding window alarms or Smart window locks can provide extra peace of mind by alerting you to any attempt to open or break a window.

Additional Safety Tips for Windows

Carrying out regular inspections of your windows is key to maintaining their safety and security. Look out for cracks in the glass, warped frames, or locks that no longer work properly. It is equally important to have your windows installed by professionals, as poorly fitted windows can compromise both safety and security.

When choosing window blinds, be mindful that some designs with cords can pose a strangulation hazard to children. Opting for cordless blinds or using safety devices to keep cords out of reach can help prevent accidents.

While securing windows is vital, you should also ensure that at least one window in your home can serve as an emergency escape route. This window should be easily accessible and quick to open from the inside, so it can be used in the event of fire or other emergencies.

How T&K Home Improvements Can Help

At T&K Home Improvements, we know that window safety is about protecting your loved ones and your property, not just aesthetics. We manufacture and install windows designed with safety and security as top priorities, and are accredited by the police’s Secured By Design initiative.
With professional installation and careful attention to detail, you can trust that your windows will provide the protection and peace of mind your family deserves. To make your home safer and more secure, get in touch with T&K Home Improvements today for a free quote.