A 5-year-old boy was critically injured in a fall from the second-story window of a home on July 2. Marysville Fire District firefighters treated the child on scene before paramedics from Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue transported him to the hospital.

In 2021, Snohomish County had a record 22 documented window falls, with most occurring in single-family homes. Injuries ranged from minor abrasions to major skull fractures and spinal cord injuries. At least six of these falls happened in Marysville.

“We want to prevent this heartache for another family because it can happen so quickly and it really can happen to anyone,” said Christie Veley, Marysville Fire District’s Public Education and Information Specialist. “We know that caregivers are doing their absolute best. It’s our job to support them by sharing tools and education that will help keep children safer.”

Here are things caregivers can do to help prevent window falls:

• Install window stops or guards to limit windows opening more than four inches.
• Keep furniture away from windows to prevent children from climbing.
• Know that window screens are designed to keep bugs out and are not strong enough to support the weight of a child.
• Teach children not to play near open windows and doors.
• When opening a window for ventilation, use those located out of a child’s reach.

Window stops are available for free to families living within Marysville Fire District by emailing outreach@marysvillefiredistrict.org.