April 23, 2012 -- This past Saturday, a two-year old fell from a second story window in Tigard.

Firefighter/paramedics from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Station responded and found the girl conscious. They mobilized her and she was transported to an area hospital by Metro West Ambulance to be evaluated for injuries.

Fires and falls of all kinds are among the leading causes of injury and death in young children. While some falls occur from windows, it is important to realize that in the event of a fire, a window can also save a child’s life. This is why windows play a critical role in home safety.

Portland Fire & Rescue, in partnership with other local fire agencies, encourages citizens to stay safe around the windows in your home:

1. Only allow windows to open 4 inches. Install a window stop to keep children from opening them further. Be sure an adult can open the window in an emergency.
2. If you open windows wider than 4 inches, install window guards with an emergency release device.
3. Remember, windows also serve as a secondary means of escape during an emergency. Make sure windows are still accessible and can open fully without special knowledge or tools.
4. Do not rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall. Screens are to keep bugs out, not kids in.
5. Keep windows locked and closed when not in use.
6. Keep furniture or anything children can use to climb away from windows.
7. Teach children to play a safe distance from windows and enforce this rule in your home (i.e. "we play two big steps from windows")
8. When buying new windows, ask for ones with built-in-4-inch-limiters.

For information about Oregon's Campaign to StopWindowFalls, go to www.stopat4.com