Window Guard Law/ Window Falls Prevention Program

In 1976, New York City implemented a Window Guard Law (Section 131.15
of the New York City Health Code). This law required building owners to install and maintain safety devices on windows in apartments and public hallways were children age ten and under resided. Building owners were also required to send tenants an annual notice so that violations could be reported.

Following the enactment of the Law, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Department implemented a Window Falls Prevention Program to follow up on all referral and complaints. Once the WFPP receives a referral/complaint, it issues a "Commissioner of Health Order to Abate Nuisance" to the owner of the building. If the owner does not make the appropriate installations/repairs, the WFPP refers the case to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, which then takes the initiative to make the necessary installations or repairs

The goal is to reduce the frequency of accidental falls from apartment buildings.

Since the Law's implementation in 1976, the number of window falls has significantly reduced. In 1976, 217 window falls were reported. In 1979, three years after the Law was implemented, only 80 falls were reported. By 2003, only nine window falls were reported. According to the 2003 Office of the State Comptroller Audit Report, the Window Falls Prevention Program achieved overall success but many of the cases generated through complaints, observations, and interviews did not result in a timely installation of window guards or follow-through and assurance that guards were not needed.