The Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that each year in the United States, falls from windows account for approximately 12 deaths and 5,000 injuries among children age 10 and under. Hannah's Hope is the window safety outreach program sponsored by the Hannah Geneser Foundation. In collaboration with Blank Children's Hospital, Hannah's Hope helps educate parents and other child caregivers on the dangers posed by windows and the actions that can be taken to prevent window accidents.

Preventative actions, such as placing furniture away from windows, locking unopened windows and teaching children to play a safe distance away from windows, are a few ways to help reduce the risk of window accidents. Caregivers should remember window screens do not prevent falls and to always supervise children at play. Hannah's Hope also encourages parents when building a new home or replacing windows to ask for window models with built-in safety hardware. To safeguard current windows, Hannah's Hope lists other window safety devices available, such as window guards and window stops.   

Hannah's Hope does not endorse any particular window safety device but suggests parents consider ASTM approved devices. ASTM International is a globally recognized leader in the development of international standards for product quality and safety. ASTM approved window safety devices are readily available and affordable, and parents may purchase window safety devices at the Blank Children's Safety Store or online at www.kidssafetyinc.org.  

"Accidents, such as these, are preventable," said Anne Garinger, Safety Coordinator, Advocacy and Outreach, Blank Children's Hospital. "All caregivers should take the necessary time and actions to make sure their windows are safe."

For more information about window safety, visit www.hannahgeneserfoundation.org.