Call to keep children safe around windows and balconies

We are issuing parents and guardians with safety advice to limit the number of accidents involving children falling from heights.

It can be easy not to think twice about a window being open in a home, flat or a business premises, but officers from our child protection team (CPT) are urging people to be extra vigilant in order to limit the chances of children getting into difficulty.

Figures from the Child Accident Prevention Trust estimate that one child under five is admitted to hospital every day after falling from a building; out of windows or from balconies, across England.

Superintendent Nicola Furlong, from our child protection team, said: “We have responded to a number of recent incidents where children have unfortunately fallen from open windows causing some significant injuries.

“There are a number of security measures you can take, which include keeping furniture like beds and sofas away from windows to stop children from climbing and reaching them and installing safety catches, locks or window restrictors.

“Parents of young children who live in a home with balconies should keep youngsters away from them unless they are supervised and keep balcony doors locked when not in use.”