Save a child’s life — make windows safe

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Young children are constantly exploring the world. Opening a window on their own is one of the challenges they will eventually want to take on. And if there is no child lock to prevent it from opening, it can end in tragedy. Photo: Pixabay

Why do children fall from windows?

The main reason is the absence of window restrictors on plastic windows.

So why don’t adults take action and install childproof safety measures on windows?

There are two key reasons:

1. Parents don’t expect that a child could climb onto a windowsill, turn the handle, and open the window. New skills and interests emerge in young children suddenly and unexpectedly. Yesterday, the child couldn’t reach the window handle (or wasn’t interested in the window), but today they’ve managed to open it! And if the flat is in a multi-storey building, this could end in tragedy.
2. There’s a mosquito net installed, which creates an illusion of support. But the net is NOT designed to hold weight! A tragic example: on 29 May 2018 in Kyiv, a 4-year-old boy fell to his death from the 12th floor along with the mosquito net.

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The mosquito screen creates the illusion of support, but it is NOT designed to bear additional loads and will not hold the child! Photo: OKNA.ua

How to install child safety features on windows?

Attention! It is important to ensure window safety not only in the nursery but in all rooms of the home where a small child may be present.

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It is important to ensure childproof window protection in every room of the flat where a small child lives or spends time. Photo: OKNA.ua

Replace the window handle with a secure one

You can replace the handle yourself — it takes just 1–2 minutes. All you need is a screwdriver. Handles may come with latches, a lock, or a button-lock mechanism. It’s crucial not to leave keys for locking handles in place — store them somewhere inaccessible to children.
Handles with a button are convenient, but do not provide a sufficient level of child safety.

Even simply removing the window handle before you buy a child-safe one could save a child’s life.

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You can replace the handle yourself, it will take 1–2 minutes Photo: OKNA.ua

Install a window restrictor

An alternative option is to install a window restrictor (either built-in or external). You can install a restrictor yourself — it takes about 20 minutes. Or you can order this service from a window company. Window restrictors also add extra protection against break-ins.