ALBERTA – Many families cool off by opening windows or going out on balconies in the summer. However, open windows and balconies can be a serious fall risk to children, who often learn to climb before they walk. Primary Care Alberta (PCA) encourages parents and caregivers to check for any windows or balconies at home that children could climb and fall from.

Toddlers and preschoolers are at the highest risk of falling from a window or balcony, but falls can happen at any age. Every year in Alberta, young children fall from windows and balconies, resulting in 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 under your supervision:

• Be aware of open windows, even with screens. 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 they may be opened by an adult or older child without the use of any tools or special knowledge.
• Remove outdoor furniture and other items from railings on balconies and decks in your house or apartment. These can be used to climb, resulting in a fall over a railing.
• When spending time outdoors on balconies, make sure 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 or MyHealth.Alberta.ca:

• Keep Your Baby Safe From Falls
• Keep Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe From Falls

Care is a lifelong commitment for Primary Care Alberta. We plan, fund and support primary healthcare across the province, improving access to care providers and offering front-line services through Health Link 811 and public health teams. Throughout the health journey, we are by your side – managing, preventing and reducing illness. Along with our partners, we nurture the connections our communities need to thrive and strengthen the health of all Albertans.