When it comes to must-have features for a home, windows are at the top of the list. They are also one of the top five hidden hazards in a home and particularly dangerous for children.

“Kids are naturally curious, and that curiosity can become dangerous when it is paired with windows,” says pediatric emergency medicine physician Teresa Romano, MD, with Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year approximately eight children under age 5 die and more than 3,300 are seriously injured from falling out of windows.

Research has shown many of these falls take place in spring and summer when the weather is nicer and more people are looking to let fresh air into their homes.

“The most common injuries associated with window-related accidents include abrasions, cuts and bruises,” Dr. Romano says. “However, more serious injuries like fractures, concussions and internal head injuries are frequently seen as well. We find that falls from higher up are associated with more serious injuries and, unfortunately, some cause death.”

Dr. Romano offers tips for keeping your kids safe from window-related injuries:

• Overall window safety: If there are young children in a house, it is best to keep all windows locked and closed.

However, there are times when opening a window can’t be avoided (especially during hotter weather). If you need to open a window and there is a child nearby, open ones that are completely out of their reach.

• Furniture: Children love climbing things, so try not to position furniture under windows.

• Window screens: While screens can help keep bugs out of your home, they don’t offer protection against falls and related injuries.

Instead of taking the chance, it’s best to follow the first tip above — only open windows that are out-of-reach of small children.

• Safety devices: There are a few safety devices that can be installed on windows to help prevent falls.

Window stops keep them from opening past a certain point, while window guards cover them completely to provide an extra layer of protection (while letting fresh air in).

If you decide to install window guards, it is best to go with ones that have quick-release mechanisms in case of a fire or other emergency.

• Supervised play: Another important way to promote window safety in your home is talking to your children about being safe around windows and making sure they don’t play on balconies, fire escapes or roofs. It’s also a good idea to educate older children on the dangers that come with climbing out or jumping from windows.

In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately. The emergency room at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Carbon is located at 2128 Blakeslee Blvd. Drive E., Lehighton.