With the summer heat in full swing, many Albertans choose to keep their windows open as a way to help cool their homes; AHS hopes to remind parents of a few tips to keep their children safe while enjoying a breeze indoors.
“Children often learn to climb before they learn to walk,” says AHS. “Toddlers and preschoolers are at the highest risk of falling from a window or balcony, but falls can happen at any age.”
Every year, young children fall from windows and balconies, resulting in EMS response, emergency department visits and, in some cases, hospitalization and death, with a majority being children under six years of age. To avoid this, AHS reminds that supervision is the most effective way to prevent fall-related injuries.
Screens are not strong enough to keep children in, so parents should be aware of all open windows, and move furniture such as cribs, beds, stools and change tables away. Window guards should be installed on all windows on the second floor and above.
Safety devices that limit how wide a window can open to a maximum of 10 cm can be installed, but AHS adds that these devices should be installed so they may be opened by an adult or older child without the use of any tools or special knowledge.
When outside on a balcony, keep outdoor furniture and other items stored where they cannot be used to climb, as to avoid failing over the railing, or remove them. Parents should also ensure that the balcony’s vertical railings are no more than 10 cm apart.
