As the weather warms up, so does the potential of young children falling out of windows without proper security locks. In B.C., already by the May long weekend, three toddlers had fallen through open windows since April.
BC Children's Hospital and BC Ambulance Service are asking parents to make sure their homes are secure.
"Falls from windows seem to be increasing in frequency. Last year, we saw about 10 seriously injured children, compared to three to five per year in past years," Dr. Ash Singhal, medical director of BC Children's Hospital's trauma program, said in a press release.
"Falls are more common in younger children between one and six years of age, and seem to occur more frequently in the spring and summer. Many of the injuries can be quite severe, requiring surgery and causing potentially long-term effects for the child."
Falls from windows often occur at a child's home, most commonly in the afternoon, when windows are open or not fully secured as the family is home.
Paramedics see the critical injuries that result from falls from windows, from broken bones to facial and head trauma.
"The best advice we can provide to caregivers is to ensure you have the right safety locks on windows and doors, especially if you have young children," BC Ambulance service superintendent Julien Ponsioen said in the release.
While it might be tempting to leave a window open a crack to let in some fresh air as the weather warms up, remember that young children are innately curious and natural climbers and may not understand the risk of their actions. They can be strong enough to widen an unlocked window enough to fall out of it.
Hospital staff and paramedics offer the following safety tips to prevent falls from windows:
Window screens will not prevent children from falling through.
Don't underestimate a child's mobility; children begin climbing before they can walk. Move household furniture away from windows to discourage children from climbing to peer out.
Install window guards on windows above the ground level. These act like a gate in front of the window.
Alternately, fasten windows so that they cannot open more than 10 cm (four inches). Children can fit through spaces as small as 12 cm wide. In either case, ensure there is a safe-release option in case of a house fire.
Young children are avid learners - they may be able to unlock doors and windows to gain access to dangerous areas without you realizing it. Make sure to have the proper window and door locks in place.
Don't leave children unattended on balconies or decks. Move furniture or planters away from the edges as kids can climb up and over.
Talk to your children about the dangers of opening and playing near windows, particularly on upper floors of the home.
