I was moved by the tragic news about a five-year-old boy who died in Ortuella (Vizacaya) after falling into the empty window of his house from a third floor. I write it and a shiver runs down my spine.
Accidents happen, but as parents we have a responsibility to take all necessary safety measures to prevent them. An oversight, a distraction, we know that children are very restless and curious, and the worst, they are not yet aware of the danger. Therefore, it is very important to consider these tips to prevent falling windows and balconies.
An adult always watching: Since we moved from house to a third floor, I have my daughters alerted that they should ask permission if they are going out on the balcony. I have told you that you can never leave without telling an adult to watch them. Not even the oldest, then the smaller ones imitate.
Not peek us: If the child sees as normal that we are usually looking out the window or the balcony, he will imitate us.
Use appropriate safety devices: If there are small children at home, we must install special devices such as fall arrest networks, window and door locks and barriers. A child can fall through a window that is open only 15 centimeters. But be careful that they do not end up being a risk in themselves, such as horizontal bars that end up being perfect stairs or bars that prevent evacuation in case of emergency.
Not tempt fate: Remove from under the windows chairs, tables, beds, cribs, stools or any other furniture or object that can be perched to browse the window. Place them away to avoid being taken to the window to climb.
Falls from high heights are, most of the time, serious. Therefore, in addition to doing everything in our power to avoid them, we must know how to act in case they happen.
The intensity of the injuries will depend on the height of which it has fallen as well as the surface with which the child collides in its fall and the part of the body affected.
Please do not take a second to follow these tips to prevent falls from windows and balconies. There are no excuses when it comes to a serious risk to the lives of our children.
