Preventive measures to avoid balcony accidents during the summer

The Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority has identified preventive measures that can be followed to ensure that balcony accidents are avoided, especially in light of the frequent occurrence of balcony accidents, including falls, fires, or others.

The authority stated that among the procedures that must be followed are not storing luggage on the balcony, not placing chairs or pieces of furniture inside the balcony, and the necessity of closing the balcony door and not leaving it open, while it recommended installing a tight lock on the apartment door.

The authority confirmed that it is preferable to install a plastic barrier on the balcony fence, calling for not hanging laundry on the balcony, and not throwing cigarette butts, charcoal, or other waste on the balcony.

In turn, the Sharjah Civil Defense Authority had previously issued several instructions to protect children from accidents falling from balconies, especially during vacation periods, which usually witness the occurrence of this type of accident.

The authority identified five important guidelines, the first of which is not to leave the child alone in the house or balcony, and to be sure to install an acrylic barrier on the balcony (after obtaining a permit from the municipality), while always ensuring that the balcony door is closed and not opening it except when needed, and making sure to place Proper security locks for windows and balcony doors, in addition to ensuring that there is no furniture near windows or balconies.

The Child Safety Department began a series of field visits to towers and buildings located in areas and cities of Sharjah, to raise awareness of the dangers that may threaten the lives of children in homes, and to provide practical advice and guidance, as part of the “Warning against the dangers of falling from balconies” initiative.

She advised parents to follow other precautionary measures to protect children from risks, and also called for cooperation with relevant institutions to implement best practices and standards in this field, as falling accidents from high places are the second cause of unintentional death in the world, and the group of children is considered the most vulnerable to these risks. According to the World Health Organization.