Two recent incidents involving children falling from upper-story windows serve as a reminder that window screens are designed to keep Bugs Out not Kids In! In both the Wilsonville and Cornelius incident, a two-year old child fell from a second-story window and was transported to a hospital. Fortunately, their injuries were not life threatening and the children were treated and later released from the hospital.

Karen Eubanks, Public Information Officer states, "Each year, we respond to a handful of incidents involving children falling out of windows. Most of these occur during the spring and summer months when parents are opening their windows due to warmer weather."

Screens are not strong enough to withstand the weight of a child—even a young toddler. To help you avoid a tragedy, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue encourages you to take some simple precautions:

• Talk to your children about the risk of window falls and remind them to stay away from windows.
• Keep furniture (beds, dressers, shelves) away from windows to reduce your child’s temptation to climb near the window.
• Install safety devices to limit how far your windows open. These include wooden dowels and small metal locking clips available at home improvement stores. NOTE: Whatever device you use, ensure that it is easily removed should you have to exit your home due to fire!

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and Amica Insurance, along with dozens of other health and public safety organizations will have display booths featuring this and other safety information at the Oregon Zoo this Saturday, May 5. This year’s Safe Kids Day at the Zoo theme is, "Use Your Brain." The event will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and is free with zoo admission. Children visiting all 10 booths have a chance to win prizes including bicycles, fire escape ladders, t-shirts, posters, key chains and safety items.