Boosting Child Safety in Your Home

As America’s Neighborhood Screen Stores®, Screenmobile is dedicated to delivering convenient, efficient, and precise screening solutions designed to help enhance your home’s safety and comfort.  While our products offer many features, it’s vital to grasp their intended purpose and limitations, particularly when it comes to keeping children safe.

Uncovering Hidden Dangers Around the House

November is Child Safety Protection Month, a crucial time to focus on creating safer living spaces for our little ones.  As we work to shield our children from harm, it’s essential to recognize hidden hazards lurking in our homes, especially those related to screens and windows.  Many parents might not realize that regular window screens aren’t designed to prevent falls or keep kids away from pool areas, creating a false sense of security.  Let’s dive into some often-overlooked risks and practical strategies to help safeguard our children by improving home safety.

Window Screens:  Insect Barriers, Not Fall Prevention

Window screens are crafted to allow fresh air in while helping to keep bugs out.  However, some might mistakenly view them as a safety barrier.  Although screens might provide a feeling of security, window screens won’t stop falls or restrict access.  With this in mind, here are some practical steps you can take to minimize risks in your home and help keep kids safe from falls or intruders:

• Rearrange furniture away from windows.  When playtime involves climbing, jumping, or roughhousing, having furniture near windows can be a recipe for disaster.  Shift furniture to solid walls or away from windows to help lower the risk of falls.
• Secure doors and windows when they’re not in use.
• Keep a watchful eye on children when they’re playing near open windows.

Safety Reminder:  Window screens are designed to help keep insects out, not to prevent falls or restrict access.  Always implement additional safety measures to protect children from window-related accidents.

Window Coverings:  The Hidden Perils of Corded Options

While window coverings are crucial for privacy and light control, they can pose significant safety risks to young children.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified corded window coverings as one of the top five hidden hazards in American homes.

To help reduce these risks, consider implementing the following safety ideas:

• Switch out corded window coverings for cordless or motorized alternatives, especially in children’s bedrooms and play areas.
• If you still have corded window coverings, install cord clips to keep cords securely fastened to the wall and taut, helping to minimize the risk of entanglement.
• Position cribs, beds, and other furniture away from windows to help prevent children from reaching cords.

Screenmobile offers solutions to replace your corded blinds and shades with safer alternatives.  Explore our options for cordless interior blinds and shades or high-quality motorized shade solutions.

Security Window Screens:  Improved Protection Without Compromise

Security window screens can offer a robust solution for child safety and home security without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality.  Unlike traditional window bars, security screens have several key features:

• Clear Views:  Security screens maintain unobstructed sightlines, allowing natural light to flood in while helping to keep intruders out.
• Durable Stainless-Steel Mesh:  Built from high-strength materials, these screens resist cutting and impact.
• Tamper-Resistant Frames:  Specially engineered frames make it challenging for potential intruders to remove the screen from the outside.
• Emergency Exit Function:  Many security screens have quick-release mechanisms, enabling swift escape during emergencies like fires.
• Air Circulation:  Unlike solid barriers, security screens allow for airflow, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

By choosing security window screens, you can significantly boost your home’s safety without compromising on style or functionality.  These screens can act as an effective deterrent against break-ins while providing peace of mind for families with young children.

Screen Doors: Controlled Access and Fresh Air

Screenmobile’s screen doors offer ventilation while maintaining a barrier against insects between indoor and outdoor spaces.  We offer a wide range of customization options, allowing homeowners to select specific dimensions, colors, and design features to complement their home’s decor.  Whether you prefer a sleek modern look or a more traditional design, Screenmobile offers a variety of screen doors to match your style.

As with other areas in the home, it’s crucial to minimize risks associated with screen doors.  To maximize the safety features of your screen door:

• Add childproof locks to screen doors to prevent unsupervised access to outdoor areas.
• Look into self-closing mechanisms to ensure doors don’t accidentally remain open.
• Regularly inspect the screen and frame to keep them in good working order.
• Clean the screen periodically with a soft cloth and mild soap to maintain visibility and functionality.
• Teach children about proper usage to help prevent accidental damage or injury.

For more details on our security screen door options, visit Screenmobile’s security screen doors page.

Porch and Patio Enclosures:  Creating Safe Outdoor Havens

Screened-in porches, patios, and decks can transform your outdoor spaces into safer areas for children to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.  However, just like window screens, screened-in spaces are not designed to prevent falls or restrict access to outdoor areas.

As with other parts of your home, it’s important to evaluate your porch and patio enclosures to help keep your kids safe:

• Make sure all access points to the enclosure are secure and child-proof.
• Conduct regular inspections of the enclosure for any damage or weak spots.
• Depending on your local building codes and regulations, you may need to install a chair railing, handrail, or picket system around your elevated spaces.  Even if not required in your area, it’s wise to include these safety features for porches, patios, and decks.

Discover more about our enclosure options at Screenmobile’s screen enclosures page.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps with Screenmobile

Improving your home’s safety is an ongoing process, and Screenmobile is here to support you.  Our mobile service brings custom screening solutions right to your doorstep for a convenient and professional experience.

Remember, while our products can contribute to a safer home environment, they are only one part of a comprehensive safety strategy.  Regularly assess your home’s safety measures, especially as your children grow and develop new skills.

Ready for Screenmobile to help enhance your home’s safety with custom screening solutions?  Request a free estimate today and take the first step towards a safer, more comfortable home for your family.