If you’re in the door and window industry hopefully you know that this week, April 4-10, is National Window Safety Week, and many in the industry are using this as an opportunity to educate homeowners.

“Window Safety is not only an important issue in our industry but in our daily lives, as proper precautions can help ensure the well-being of young children,” says Rich Walker, president and chief executive officer of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association. “AAMA is proud to partner with the National Safety Council and other industry organizations to provide education that will keep families safer and aid in the prevention of accidental falls and injuries through windows.”

The Window Safety Task Force, a joint industry effort, is one group working to heighten the awareness of what parents and caregivers should do to help keep their homes and families safer from the risks of accidental falls.

The Window Safety Task Force was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety. It is composed of members representing AAMA, the Window and Door Manufacturers Association and the Screen Manufacturers Association, in cooperation with the National Association of Home Builders and other organizations, as well as manufacturers of window, doors and screens. (CLICK HERE for more information.)

Some door and window manufacturers are also getting involved to educate homeowners on this important issue.

Lincoln Windows says it encourages all consumers in the market for double-hung windows to install fall prevention devices to help reduce accidental falls. The company says its new optional sash limiters meet the requirements of ASTM F2090: Standard Specification for Window Fall Prevention Devices With Emergency (Egress) Release Mechanisms, which establishes requirements for devices intended to address the risk of injury and death associated with accidental falls from windows by children five years old and younger. ASTM-compliant window opening control devices, allow a window to be opened less than 4 inches and allow a window to be fully opened if needed as a means of escape or rescue in an emergency.

Simonton Windows also is educating homeowners during Window Safety Week and are offering tips regarding window safety.

For example, “For ventilation in rooms with toddlers and young children, open the top sash of double-hung windows so that children cannot reach them while keeping the bottom sash closed,” says a company press release.