Window Falls Prevention

Thousands of children fall from windows every year. We work to prevent window falls by offering affordable window guards to Boston residents.

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Falls are the leading cause of injury to children age five and under. Studies predict that more than 3,300 children fall from windows every year in the United States. About a dozen of these falls are high enough to be fatal. The rest tend to result in a spectrum of injuries, from fractures to Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs).

Unlike some injuries, window falls are preventable. Window locks, window guards, and safety plans exist to protect children from needless injuries.

Learn how to request discounted window guards and how you can protect your child from window falls below.

Questions? Contact us:
injuryprevention@bphc.org
617-534-2670
1010 Massachusetts Ave.

2nd floor

BOSTON, MA 02118

Request Window Guards

We offer discounted window guards to Boston residents with young children and to small property owners with buildings of 12 units or fewer, as well as small housing developers.

Call our Injury Prevention Program at 617-534-2670 to learn if you qualify for discounted window guards.
Boston Housing Authority (BHA) residents: Call the BHA Work Order Center at 617-988-4357 to request window guards.

Window guards save lives

Window Guard Installation Tips

Parents, grandparents, or caregivers of children 10 years and younger should all have window guards.
We recommend window guards for the 2nd story and above, and for the 1st floor if the window is over 12 feet above the ground below.
Install window guards in children's and parents' bedrooms, as well as other rooms where children spend the most time.
Measure the width of your window so you know the correct size window guard to order.
Our removable window guards have an emergency-release mechanism.
Window guards can be installed on your own, however its important they are installed correctly or else they are not as effective.

Window and Window Cover Safety Tips

window safety:

A child can fall out of a window open as little as 4 inches. Window stops can restrict window openings to less than four inches. One window in each room should be free of these devices to allow for emergency escape.
Keep beds, furniture, toys, and anything a child can climb on away from windows.
Lock all unopened doors and windows.
Open windows from the top instead of the bottom.
Do not substitute window guards for screens. Screens are meant to keep bugs out, not children in.
Window guards can withstand up to 150lbs of pressure.
Child safety window guards are not the same as security bars.
Be sure children are always supervised.

Curtain and Window Cover Safety:

A child dies every month due to window cover cord strangulation. If you have or care for children under 10 years old, take these action steps to keep them safe.

Inspect all window coverings (shades, blinds, curtains, etc.) in your home for accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the cover that could be hazardous.
Any cord longer than 8 inches, in a continuous loop, or not secured to the wall can be hazardous to young children.
Buy cordless window blinds and always check for a "Best for Kids" certification on other kinds of coverings.
When buying custom window products ask to make them cordless.
Pull cords tight to make them as short as possible, keep them up high, and anchored to the wall.
Add tensioners, inner cord stops, and breakaway tassels to any coverings in your home with cords.

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