Renton Toddler Falls from Third-Story Window

A two-and-a-half year-old girl was transported to Harborview Medical Center Thursday morning after she had reportedly fallen out of a third-story window at a Renton Highlands home.

First responders were called at 11:46 a.m. to the residence, according to a press release. Initial reports indicate a window screen gave way and the girl fell to the ground below.

Renton Police were on the scene investigating the incident.

The Renton Fire & Emergency Services Department reminds parents and caregivers that open windows can create a dangerous, even deadly, situation for children.

“It is essential to watch children closely especially when they are near windows, doors or on balconies," said Fire Chief Mark Peterson.

Window falls are not just a problem for residents of multi-story buildings. Falling  from a first floor window can also harm young children. Fortunately, most window falls can be prevented by taking the appropriate safety measures in homes where small children live or visit.

In the United States falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury for children. Children under the ages of 14 account for one third of all fall-related visits to hospital emergency rooms. Spring and summer are the time when most accidents due to falls from windows occur.

  *   Never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows.
  *   Install window guards or window stops.  Window stops prevent windows from opening more than four inches while window guards are specially designed coverings for windows to prevent falls. Whenever possible, open windows from the top, not the bottom.
  *   Keep furniture away from windows to discourage children from climbing near windows.
  *   Properly supervise children.