FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2017

CONTACTS:
Mimi Simon | Department of Buildings
(312) 744-7384
mimi.simon@cityofchicago.org

Anel Ruiz | CDPH
(312) 747-9768
anel.ruiz@cityofchicago.org

THE CITY OF CHICAGO REMINDS RESIDENTS WINDOW SAFEGUARDS ARE VITAL TO CHILD SAFETY

 As part of the city’s ongoing Kids Can’t Fly child window safety campaign, the Department of Buildings and the Chicago Department of Public Health are once again reminding residential building owners, occupants and parents to install operable window guards on windows, limit window openings to 4 inches or less, and to secure window openings with proper screens.

“Each year we see children killed or injured following a fall from a window.  These incidents can be avoided when building owners, landlords and occupants follow basic safety guidelines, especially in the warm summer months when it is likely that windows will be open,” said Building Department Commissioner Judy Frydland. “Residents are encouraged to call 311 if they see windows that present a potential danger and a building inspector will be sent out.”

Basic steps parents and caretakers can take to help make sure children stay healthy and safe at home include:

• Limit window openings to 4 inches or less.
• Install operable window guards on windows.
• Avoid the placement of furniture such as beds, dressers and cribs near windows to prevent children from climbing onto window sills.
• Keep children away from open windows and doors when playing.

Building owners and landlords can also install building code-compliant devices that limit how far windows will open.

“Health begins in the home. By ensuring every home is free of hazards, we help more children stay safe,” said Chicago Department of Public Health, Julie Morita, M.D. “It is critical that everyone follow basic safety guidelines to safeguard the health of Chicago’s children.”

The Chicago Building Code requires every door opening and every window to have screens in place from April 15th to November 15th of each year. Specifically, every door opening directly from any family unit to the outdoors and every window, or other outside openings used for ventilation purposes, must be supplied with a screen of not less than 16 mesh per inch and every screen door shall have a self-closing device in good working condition.  Screens prevent mosquitos and other pests from entering homes.

In total, the Department of Buildings issued 2,613 for window-related violations in 2016, and 2,045 window-related violations in 2015.

For more information, please visit www.childwindowsafety.com. 

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The Department of Buildings supports the safety and quality of life for the residents and visitors of the City of Chicago through enforcement of the Chicago Building Code. For more information, please visit our website at www.cityofchicago.org/buildings or follow us at twitter.com/@chicagoDOB and www.facebook.com/Chicago-Department-of-Buildings.

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to make Chicago a safer and healthier place by working with community partners to promote health, prevent disease, reduce environmental hazards and ensure access to health care for all Chicagoans. Visit us at www.cityofchicago.org/health to learn more about how CDPH is building a city of thriving communities where all residents are able to live healthy lives.