Bay Area mom raises awareness about window safety after son's fall

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A Bay Area mom is raising awareness about window safety after her son survived a fall from a high-rise window. "I remember it like it was yesterday," Vannoy McCree said through tear-filled eyes. "January 13, 2021. I still get goosebumps thinking about it."

SAN FRANCISCO - A Bay Area mom is raising awareness about window safety after her son survived a fall from a high-rise window.

"I remember it like it was yesterday," Vannoy McCree said through tear-filled eyes. "January 13, 2021. I still get goosebumps thinking about it."

McCree was out of the country on vacation when a family member alerted her that her then 2-year-old son Omari Prince Daniels fell from a third-floor window.

"I immediately flew back," she said. "When I got to the hospital, he was in a neck brace and had a scratch on his forehead. I couldn't believe it."

McCree said it was a miracle that her little boy survived.

"He's our strength. He's our superman. He's a survivor," she said.

According to a police report, Omari reportedly pushed out the screen window and toppled out to the floor below. His aunt and uncle immediately rushed to his aid and called 911.

"We still think about that day," Omari's mother said.

Now nearing the two-year anniversary of the fall, Omari and his family are working to make sure no child falls from a window. Through their non-profit, Dooda Activities, the family raises awareness about window safety.

"It's amazing how many people don't know the dangers that exist," said McCree. "Especially people who don't have children."

Through various activities and sharing Omari's survival story McCree works to educate the public.

"I hand out pamphlets with safety tips," she said. "We hold discussions, anything I can do to make sure people know how to protect their loved ones I do it."

McCree told KTVU the simples things people can do is to make sure windows are clear of any climbable surfaces, including desks and furniture.

"Window guards, stops and stalls are one simple fix," she said.

According to a report by SafeKids Worldwide, an average of eight children age 5 and younger die and more than 3,300 are injured each year from falling out of windows.

The Window Safety Task Force offers these tips to help protect children from accidental window falls:

McCree told KTVU she shares similar tips when speaking with community groups.

"I’m everywhere I can be," she said. "I don't care how much money it costs, or how many times I repeat myself, if I can just save one life than it's worth it.

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