AHS shares window and balcony safety tips for parents

By Medicine Hat News on June 21, 2024.

With the coming warmer weather, many Albertans will be relying on open windows to cool their homes. However, AHS warns that open windows or balconies can pose a fall risk for children.

Toddlers and preschoolers are at the highest risk of falling from a window or balcony, but falls can happen at any age, said AHS.

These falls, which occur every year, result in EMS response, emergency department visits and, in some cases, hospitalization and death.

AHS recommends supervising children closely, which can prevent falls and many other childhood injuries. They remind parents that screens are not strong enough to keep children in, so guardians must be aware of open windows.

The use of window guards, which act as gates in front of windows, should be installed on all windows on the second floor and above, or other devices that limit how wide a window can open to a maximum of 10 cm.

These devices should be able to be opened by an adult or older child without the use of any tools or special knowledge, in case of an emergency, said AHS.

For balconies, ensure spaces between the vertical railings are less than 10 cm apart, and no outdoor furniture could allow for a small child to climb over the railing. When spending time outdoors on balconies, always supervise children, says AHS.

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