WINDOWS AND BALCONIES

 

Preventing falls from windows and balconies

Children between the ages of 1 and 4 are at the highest risk of falling from a window or balcony, but falls occur among people of all ages, including seniors. Here is what you can do to prevent falls from windows and balconies in your home:

 

- Direct supervision of children is the single most effective way to prevent window and balcony falls.

- Move furniture or other items away from windows and from balcony railings and decks to prevent climbing hazards.

- Install devices on windows that allow for a maximum opening of 10 cm. Install similar devices or child-proof locks on balcony doors. These devices are inexpensive and can be purchased at hardware stores.

- Complete a safety check with your child’s caregiver to ensure window and door safety devices are in working order, and explain the potential dangers around these areas of the home.

- Make sure that safety devices have emergency release mechanisms so windows can be used for escape in the event of fire.

- Screens are not adequate safety devices. They keep bugs out but do not keep children in.

 

CWDMA-member companies have generously funded this campaign since it began in 2003. They have also constructed and donated 14 safety demonstration units that paramedics use to teach window and balcony safety lessons to children, parents and caregivers.

Safety tips, activities for children, an educational video and contact information are available on the Partners Promoting Window and Balcony Safety website at www.windowandbalconysafety.ca

 

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The following is a partial list of some of the window and balcony falls that have occurred in 2007:

 

- March 29, Hamilton, ON - 5-year-old boy, seriously injured, fell from 9th floor balcony

- June 3, Toronto, ON - 18-month-old boy, died, fell from 28th floor window

- June 26, Ottawa, ON - 3-year-old boy, died, fell from 15th floor window

- July 5, Ottawa, ON - 9-month-old girl, injured, fell from 2nd floor window

- July 5, Montreal, QC - 2-year-old boy, injured, fell from 4th floor window

- July 12, Montreal, QC - 2-year-old girl, injured, fell from 2nd floor window

- July 17, Toronto, ON - 2-year-old boy, died, fell from 11th floor balcony

- July 20, Calgary, AB - 19-month-old boy, injured, fell from 2nd floor balcony

- July 24, Montreal, QC - 5-year-old boy, injured, fell from 2nd floor balcony

Source:  EMS, Toronto