As temperatures rise this summer, so will the risk of young children falling from balconies or open windows.
Last year, at least 29 children in B.C. were taken to hospital as a result of falling out of windows, and "several" have already been injured this spring, according to a press release from the Fraser Health Authority.
"It's hard enough to tell a parent that their child has suffered severe injuries that require extensive surgery and will likely result in long-term effects," said Dr. Iain MacPhail, program medical director of trauma for Fraser Health, in the release. "This becomes especially heartbreaking when it is the result of an avoidable accident like falling through a window or from a balcony."
To prevent injuries of this kind, Fraser Health and the B.C. Ambulance Service are reminding parents of young children to think twice before opening windows in their homes this summer.
With support from Partners Promoting Window and Balcony Safety, the two organizations have launched a campaign together to offer free decals at daycares and public health units within the Fraser Health region.
The decals are meant to remind parents and caregivers that window screens do not offer adequate protection against a fall and should never be relied on as a safety measure.
Other safety tips to prevent falls include: talking to children about window and balcony safety; moving furniture and planters away from windows and balcony edges to discourage children from climbing, especially cribs and beds; installing and maintaining window safety devices - ensure there is a safe release option in case of a house fire; keeping windows open no more than 10 centimetres - children can fit through a space as small as 12 cm; never leaving children unattended on balconies or in higher floor rooms with open windows.
For more information, visit www.win dowsafety.ca.
