There are about a dozen deaths and several thousand injuries to children each year as a result of falls from windows in both single-family homes and apartments. The majority of these children are under five years old. Even a fall from a one-story high window can have serious consequences.
The fact that falls occur is an unfortunate statistic as window guards can be easily installed or other precautions can be taken to prevent a child from falling thru an opened window. Unfortunately, too many people assume window screens will help prevent falls; however screens are not designed for fall protection. Window screens (such as those made available by companies like Peninsula Mobile Screens) are primarily used to prevent insects from getting in when windows are open. They can also provide additional protection against small stones and objects that could end up breaking the glass. While they may offer some resistance to inadvertent contact, they are not equipped to withstand large forces.