Keep children safe around windows and balconies

EDMONTON – Many Albertans cool off their homes by opening windows. However, open windows and balconies can pose a serious fall risk to children.

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.

Supervising children is the best way to prevent falls and other childhood injuries. If there are young children in your home or under your supervision:

• Be aware of open windows. Screens are not strong enough to keep children in.
• Move furniture such as cribs, beds, stools and change tables away from windows.
• Install window guards on all windows on the second floor and above. These act like gates in front of windows.
• Install safety devices that limit how wide a window can open to a maximum of 10 cm (four inches). Safety devices should be installed so that they may be opened by an adult or older child without the use of any tools or special knowledge in case of an emergency.
• Remove outdoor furniture and other items stored on balconies and decks that can be used to climb, resulting in a fall over a railing. When spending time outdoors on balconies, always supervise children.
• Ensure your balcony’s vertical railings are no more than 10 cm (four inches) apart.

For resources to prevent falls for infants and young children, visit Healthy Parents Healthy Children. More resources are available on MyHealth.Alberta.ca:

• Keep your young baby safe from falls
• Keep your toddler and preschooler safe from falls

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services to more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.