Child Safety Tips for Balconies and Patios
Read more articles on Toddlers/Preschoolers.April 7, 2007
Posted by Kim
April 7, 2007
Posted by Kim
746 Views
Homes that contain a balcony or patio can pose a huge risk to the safety of a child. Parents are obligated to do everything that they can to keep their child safe. Special steps are required to child proof a balcony or patio.
One of the biggest risks is the rails that surround a balcony and some patios. If these rails are more than 4 inches apart, special measures need to be taken to avoid a child falling through or becoming stuck between the rails. One of the options is to put up a cover over the railings. You can use plastic covers, shade cloth, or plexiglass. Plexiglass is the most expensive of the three options, but can also serve as a wind break in windy areas. If you don’t wish to use a cover, adding addition spindles to make the gaps smaller than 4 inches is another option.
Another important thing is to keep your child from accessing the balcony or patio without parental supervision. This will include either using a safety gate to block off stairways and doors or using child safety locks on doors leading to the area. Also, make sure that the glass doors are closed. Do not rely on the screen door to keep your child inside the house. Also, do not leave furniture out especially near the edges as a child can climb on the furniture and fall.
Teaching your child about safety is also another good thing to do in addition to physical safety measures. Make sure your child knows not to go out of the house without an adult. Also, be careful not to leave the child unsupervised while in such an area. Even if you have to run into the house for just a second, anything can happen as soon as your back is turned.
Something that many people also overlook is making sure that the balcony or patio is in good physical condition as well. A broken board or missing spindle in a balcony rail can not only cause a child to fall off the balcony, but sharp edges can also cut the child or cause the child to get a splinter that may become infected. Missing or broken cement on a patio can cause many of the same problems. A child may trip and become seriously injured. For smaller children, the broken pieces of cement can also become a choking hazard.
Parents should also inspect the homes that they will visit with their child. They should even possibly take a gate with them so that they can keep their child safe for the visit. Especially when visiting the homes of people who do not have children of their own. And don’t be afraid to speak up and let the owners know of any dangers that you find especially since disrepair can also cause injury to an adult.
Keeping a child safe is the parents’ first priority. This is why a parent must do everything within their power to make their home a safe environment in which their child can safely learn and grow. Keeping a balcony or patio safe for your child should be a top priority.
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