Since the implementation of the window guard law in 1976, window falls in NYC have drastically declined. The law requires that building owners install approved window guards in the home of any family where a child younger than eleven years of age lives. It also requires the building owner to send every tenant a notification form once a year, so that any new need for a window guard may be reported. In 1976 there were 217 window falls reported. Only three years later, after the program was created, there were only 80 reported falls. During calender year 2002 there were three preventable falls reported to the Window Falls Prevention Program. This significant decline, clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the 1976 legislation and the program's efforts to heighten public awareness through educational outreach. One of the goals of this program is to continue our commitment to helping to keep New York City's children safe.
The Window Falls Prevention Program (WFPP) receives referrals from trained field staff, other Department of Health and Mental Hygiene bureaus and other city agencies. It also receives complaints from the public. The WFPP follows-up on all window guard referrals and complaints. Upon receiving a referral from another city field worker or verifying a violation from a complaint, the WFPP issues a "Commissioner of Health Order to Abate Nuisance" to the owner of the building in which the violation was observed. If prompt repairs are not made, the WFPP refers the case to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, which will install or repair a window guards if the building owner does not.
