After a long, cold winter, the days are getting longer and the weather is finally warming up. Depending on where you live, this time of year can be quite pleasant. Not too cold, not too hot. It's just right for opening up the windows and letting the fresh air blow through. But open windows can be deadly hazards to children and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission wants parents to be aware of the dangers.

Since April, CPSC says there have been 18 incidents of children falling through open windows. Sadly, two of those incidents resulted in the deaths of small children. "We are issuing this warning so parents will take the necessary steps to prevent these incidents from happening," says CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord.

Tips from the CPSC for keeping kids safe when the windows are open:

• For windows higher than 6 stories, install permanent window guards. Below the sixth floor, window guards should be of the type that adults and older children can open in case of fire.
• Install window stops to prevent windows from opening more than four inches.
• Window screens can easily be pushed out - don't depend on them to prevent falls.
• If possible, open windows from the top instead of the bottom.
• Discourage climbing near windows by keeping the immediate area free from furniture.

CPSC Statistics from 2002-2004 show that an average of 25 fatalities a year are attributed to falls from windows. Children under five account for about one-third of those deaths. Don't let your child be another one.