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Alberta health officials warn of child fall risks from windows and balconies
EDMONTON — Primary Care Alberta is warning families to take extra precautions this summer to prevent young children from falling out of windows and off balconies.
Officials say toddlers and preschoolers are especially at risk, as many children learn to climb before they can walk. In 2024, 85 per cent of children treated for window fall-related injuries at the Stollery Children’s Hospital and Alberta Children’s Hospital were under the age of six. Each year, emergency services respond to multiple incidents, some resulting in hospitalization or death.
The province is urging parents and caregivers to supervise children closely and take steps to reduce risks at home. These include installing window guards, using safety latches to limit how far windows can open, and removing furniture or objects that children could climb near windows or balcony railings. Health officials also remind the public that window screens are not strong enough to prevent a fall.
The reminder comes as many Albertans open their windows to cool their homes during the hotter months.
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