As temperatures rise and windows open across New York City, the Health Department is issuing a vital reminder to building owners and tenants: Ensure that all required units have window guards installed.

The department emphasizes that this measure is crucial for preventing children from falling out of windows.

“This particular time, people start opening their windows. They start putting in air conditioners. And this is the time we found children unfortunately fall out of windows,” said Yma Andries, director of enforcement for the Healthy Homes Program.

With the installation of proper window guards, the Health Department underscores that incidents of children accidentally falling out of windows can be prevented. Andries highlighted the progress made in reducing such incidents.

“We’ve come down a long way. We used to be in the hundreds, but in New York City, we’re closer to single digits. We’d love to get to zero,” said Adries.

According to the Health Department, building owners with three or more units must comply with the city’s window guard policy. These guards are required in all residences with children aged 10 or younger. Owners are obligated to send annual notices to tenants, allowing them to indicate if they have children in their homes and if guards are needed.

Proper installation is essential, with Andries emphasizing that there should be no space more than 4.5 inches from any part of the window to prevent child falls.

In cases where building owners refuse to install window guards, tenants are urged to call 311 to file complaints.