(Safety video courtesy of Seattle Children’s Hospital)
Tips to prevent falls from windows and balconies.
(Source: Fraser Health)
Children are especially vulnerable to falls because they are curious, they love to climb and often don’t recognize when they are putting themselves at risk. Even small children are capable of pushing open an unlocked window and toddlers, who have a higher centre of gravity, can easily fall headfirst through a window screen if they lean against it.
- A few simple actions can make your home more secure for children and prevent devastating falls.
- Don’t underestimate a child’s mobility; children begin climbing before they can walk.
- Move household items away from windows to discourage children from climbing to peer out.
- Toddlers may use anything as a step stool to get higher.
- Be aware that window screens will not prevent children from falling through – they keep bugs out, not children in.
- Install window guards on windows above the ground level. These act as a gate in front of the window.
- Install window and door safety locks so that they cannot open more than 10 centimetres (four inches).
- Children can fit through spaces as small as 12 centimetres (five inches) wide. In either case, ensure there is a safe release option in case of a house fire.
- Don’t leave children unattended on balconies or decks. Move furniture or planters away from the edges as kids can climb up and over.
- Talk to your children about the dangers of opening and playing near windows, particularly on upper floors of the home.
If young children are present, lock the window with your key so that it can only open at the top.
Children are smart enough to operate windows, but not smart enough to foresee when they are in danger.
Window Safety Policy
All members should read the full Window Safety Policy.
LINKS
ABOUT US
Fraserview Housing co-op was completed in 2018 through a partnership with the Community Land Trust and the City of Vancouver. Community Land Trusts acquire land in various ways and hold them in trust for the community to provide affordable housing, in this case for moderate-income families.
