On National Window Safety Week the Window Safety Task Force stresses importance of planning, practicing escape drills

Klamath Falls, Ore. April 08, 2009 — Though many of us practice fire drills in the workplace, most deaths and injuries from fire each year are the result of home fires. When it comes to a fire emergency, the National Safety Council’s (NSC) Window Safety Task Force (WSTF) reminds Americans that doors and windows are the primary and secondary escape routes.

How prepared are you to escape safely from a home fire?
“Your home fire escape plan should include two exits from every room in your home, through a door and a window,” said Teri Cline, who is a member of the WSTF on behalf of JELD-WEN, inc. “In the event of fire or other emergencies, you may have little time to escape safely, so it’s essential to develop and test your plan at least twice a year with everyone in your home. Consider conducting one drill in the daytime and a second one at night, as many home fires occur during sleeping or nighttime hours.”

More window safety tips to consider

• Keep windows closed and locked when not in use for ventilation. Practice opening and closing windows that may be designated as emergency exits.
• If you must exit through a window in an emergency, first attempt to open it, rather than break the glass, since new types of laminated safety glass may not break, and to avoid potential cuts from broken glass.
• If your home features windows with impact-resistant glass, like that used in some hurricane-prone areas, you must either open the window to escape, or choose another exit route.
• If you are remodeling your home, check with local code officials to understand emergency escape and rescue (egress) window building code requirements in your area. Egress windows are those designated by code for you to escape through or for rescue workers to enter in emergency situations.
• If you equip windows in your home with fall-prevention devices, make sure they comply with the ASTM F2090-08 standard and include quick-release mechanisms to allow you to exit more quickly or rescue workers to enter more swiftly.

For more information, log on to nsc.org and search for “window+safety ” or visit the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week Web site at www.firepreventionweek.org.

About the NSC Window Safety Task Force
The Window Safety Task Force, comprised of members representing the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), the Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and other organizations, as well as manufacturers of windows, doors and screens was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety. The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes, communities and on the roads, through leadership, research, education and advocacy. JELD-WEN is a member of the Window Safety Task Force.

• The task force emphasizes the life-saving role that doors and windows play as the primary exits and secondary means of escape in the event of a fire. Doors serve as exits, while windows provide an alternate means of escape.
• The group also reminds people that insect screens are designed to keep insect pests out, rather than hold a child's weight; therefore, children should not be left unattended around open windows, with or without an insect screen in place.
• In homes with young children, for greater safety, windows within reach of children should remain closed and locked, or when double-hung windows are available, the bottom sash should remain closed, while the top sash is opened to provide ventilation.
• The coalition reminds parents and caregivers to avoid placing furniture under windows. Young children can use furniture to climb to and potentially fall from an open window.
• Responsible adult supervision at all times is an essential element in keeping children safe around open windows and doors.

About National Window Safety Week
Recognizing the essential role windows play in the lives of consumers today, the National Safety Council’s Window Safety Task Force proudly observes National Window Safety Week each year throughout the first full week in April. Our goal is to encourage adults to take steps to observe year-round window safety. Members of the Window Safety Task Force aim to heighten the awareness of what parents and caregivers should do to help keep their home and family safer from the risk of accidental window falls or injuries in the home and how they can use their windows for emergency escape and rescue purposes.