Since June 20, 2020, four children have fallen out open second-story windows during three different incidents. Two of the children suffered critical injuries. In each of the events, only a screen was protecting the open window.
- Tuesday, June 20, deputies responded to a home in the community of Aloha, where they found out a two-year-old boy had fallen out of an open second-story window while playing hide and seek.
- The boy was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
- Tuesday, July 7, deputies responded to a separate home in the community of Aloha, where they found out a three-year-old boy fell out of an open second-story window while playing with his brother.
- The three-year-old boy was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. It was later discovered the boy sustained a skull fracture from the fall.
- Tuesday, July 21, deputies responded to a home in the community of Bethany where two young brothers, ages four and six, had fallen out of a second-story window. The brothers were playing near an open window and fell over 20 feet, landing on a paver patio.The brothers were taken to a local hospital, and it was discovered the six-year-old brother had several skull fractures. The four-year-old brother did not have significant injuries, and it appears he may have landed on his older brother after the fall.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office wants to urge people to Stop at 4. "Stop at 4” is a campaign reminding everyone to only open windows 4 inches or less to prevent young children from falling. The Sheriff’s Office also suggests parents, caregivers, or anyone who might have a child living or visiting their home adhere to the following guidelines:
Advise children to play a safe distance from windows.
Keep furniture and anything a child can climb away from windows.
Install window stops, child window guards, or child safety screens to prevent children from falling out open windows. (Note: An adult should be able to easily remove window stops, guards, and child safety screens in the event of a fire or other emergency.)
Supervise children when near a window
According to Safe Kids Oregon, every year, about 50 children under the age of 13 are entered into an Oregon Trauma System for an open window fall.