Two Columbia Children Injured By Falls from Windows

It may be tempting to leave windows open during these cool summer days, but Howard County officials are warning parents that an open window can be a danger to children. 

In the last few months, three children in the county have been injured after falling out of open windows, according to a statement released by Howard County police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn.  

Two remain hospitalized.

“Injuries in these types of cases can be severe,” Police Chief William McMahon said in a statement. “We investigate every case to ensure there is no foul play or child abuse involved, and usually what we find are preventable accidents.”

In Columbia on May 5, a five-year-old boy fell from a third floor window, according to police. Detectives say they think the boy was standing on a bed, looking out of the window. In this case, too, there was a screen in the window, which was found on the ground after the fall.

This victim was also taken to the Hopkins Children’s Center with “multiple fractures to his skull and face,” and he remains hospitalized.

In March, a three-year-old girl fell from a second floor window in her Columbia house, according to police. The investigation determined that there was no screen in the window. The victim was also taken to Hopkins Children’s Center, treated for her injuries and then released.

No charges have been filed in this case.

On May 23, a two-year-old boy fell from the second floor window of his Ellicott City home, according to police. During the investigation, detectives  determined that there was a screen in the window; it was found on the ground near the boy.

Police say the boy is still hospitalized after being taken to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center with a skull fracture and bleeding in his brain.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 5,000 children wind up in the emergency room after falling out of windows. 

The police department, along with the Howard County Health Department and the Department of Fire and Rescue Services, offer these tips to stay safe as you try to stay cool:

• Most falls from windows occur when children are unsupervised. Don't leave young children alone in a room with an open window.  Teach children to play a safe distance from any window.
• Make sure no furniture or toys that children can climb on are placed near windows.
• NEVER depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows. 
• Whenever possible, open windows from the top, rather than the bottom. 
• Safeguard windows with window guards or window stops. Be sure there is a quick release feature on them.