A toddler who fell from a third-story window in Northglenn is home again after a brief hospital stay.
The accident happened at about 7:45 p.m. Monday at the Crestwood Apartments, 12255 Claude Court, according to the North Metro Fire Rescue District.
Eighteen-month-old Gabby Pera was playing with friends when she pushed through a window screen and fell to rocks below. Doctors believe that a bush may have helped break her fall.
She was taken by helicopter to The Children’s Hospital in Aurora. Her injuries were originially discribed as “traumatic” but ended up being bumps and bruises.
“When I turned and looked and saw the screen popped out, I looked down and I was traumatized,” father Gabriel Perea told 9News. “That’s the last thing you want to – I immediately ran downstairs and picked her up and called 911 instantly.”
“I’m shocked to say the least. I’m just relieved she’s home and OK,” Perea told the TV station. “You always have to be mindful of where your kids are and that’s the mistake that I’ve had to learn from unfortunately.”
Wendy Forbes, a North Metro spokeswoman, said parents and adults should be keenly aware of the dangers of open windows and children, especially during the spring when long shut windows are first opened for fresh air.
“What’s difficult is that while open windows pose a fall hazard for children, windows can also serve as emergency escape routes in cases of fire,” Forbes said. “So while we want parents to know how to reduce the risk of falls, we definitely don’t want them to install bars or paint or seal their windows shut.”
Safety experts suggest these precautions:
When small children are present, close and lock windows. If you need ventilation, open windows that are out of reach of children.
Don’t place furniture near windows.
Don’t allow children to lean on screens and windows. And don’t allow roughhousing near windows and patio doors.
Watch your children as they play, there’s not substitute for adult supervision.
