To celebrate National Homeownership Month, we're sharing educational resources for homebuyers and homeowners written by some of our closest partners. This post was provided by Andersen Corporation, which has contributed more than $2.3 million in donations and materials to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity since 1989.
General Window & Door Safety
Window safety is one of the key things to keep in mind as a homeowner. Everyone in a home can be affected by issues that could easily be prevented with our helpful tips, so read through our tips and make sure you are prepared!
Safety Glass
Choose safety glass, such as tempered glass, as an extra precaution for windows and doors in potentially hazardous locations. Upon impact, safety glass breaks into small pieces rather than large, sharp pieces.
Ladder Safety
Do not stand on sofas or beds or place ladders and scaffolding against windows, patio doors, or storm doors when making repairs. Make sure ladders are placed on level surfaces to avoid falling against the glass.
Broken Glass
Many injuries occur when broken glass is mishandled during repairs. If making the repair yourself, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for unpacking and safe installation of the replacement piece or unit. Wear gloves when handling broken glass.
Repair Broken Parts
Don't Paint Shut
Don’t paint, nail, or weatherstrip windows shut. You must be able to open them in an emergency.
Keep Them Locked
As a security precaution, keep windows and doors closed and locked to discourage intruders. An open window or door can be an invitation to theft.
Out of Reach
Furniture Placement
Screen Safety
Limit Openings
Consider installing window opening control devices or window guards that comply with local building codes. When properly installed, these devices will limit the window sash to less than a four-inch opening. These devices have easy-release mechanisms so they can be disengaged to allow the window to fully open if needed for an emergency escape or rescue.
Look Outside

About Andersen Corporation
Headquartered in Bayport, Minnesota, Andersen Corporation and its subsidiaries manufacture and market window and door products under the Andersen®, Renewal by Andersen®, EMCO®, Weiland®, MQ™ and Heritage™ brands. Andersen, a privately held company, was founded in 1903 and employs more than 8,000 people with manufacturing sites in North America and Europe. Andersen has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2019 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. Visit us at andersenwindows.com.
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“ENERGY STAR” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation and its subsidiaries.