4-Year-Old Falls To Death From Condo; How To Secure High Rise Balconies And Windows

Trigger Warning: Discussions around child death.

Condo living has become more appealing over the years, not just for your professionals but also for families. And it’s easy to see why; condominium buildings are the best options for living near commercial and business areas, plus the amenities offered by most developments make it conducive.

However, a recent news report on a young child’s fatal fall from a condo balcony underscored a crucial aspect that families should consider if they do choose the high rise living–keeping their children safe. Authorities are still investigating the incident, which happened in Cebu City. According to initial reports, the 4-year-old child was allegedly sleeping when his mother left him alone in their condo unit in the morning of Monday, April 8. The child later fell onto the canopy of the condominium’s third floor. Emergency responders rushed the child to the nearest hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

In response to the incident, a local legislator is pushing for the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to investigate the compliance wih permits of the high-rise condominium, including the occupancy permit of the building.

A similar incident also happened in 2017 in Taguig. The 4-year-old child fell from the 39th floor of their condo building. The child allegedly crawled onto a table and climbed over the railing of the balcony. His parents were in the unit with him at the time of the incident.

These incidents highlight the importance of securing condo units, most especially the windows and balconies, to keep young children safe. Here are a few tips.

Safety tips for condos and balconies

Install safety locks and guards

Windows and doors: Keeping balcony doors locked at all times can help prevent children from going there unsupervised. Parents can also opt to install a childproof lock on all windows and balcony doors.

If your balcony doors don’t have auto locks, you can look into installing a gate or door that closes and locks automatically at the balcony entrance to prevent unsupervised access. Door locks should also be out of the child’s reach.

Balcony guards: Balcony guards such as netting, mesh, or plastic shields are also available on the market. These are specifically designed to prevent children from squeezing through the railings or climbing over them while still providing clear and unobstructed views.

Furniture placement

Avoid placing any furniture that children can easily climb near window or balcony edges. Any furniture that kids can use as a step or tool to access restricted areas increases the risk of falls.

Regular supervision

Never leave children unsupervised, especially in areas where they can access windows or balconies. If you need to leave the room, even for a short period, ensure that the child is in a secure and childproof area.

Educate your children

Always educate your children about the dangers of heights and going near windows or balconies unsupervised. While adult supervision is crucial, properly educating them about the risks involved adds an extra layer of safety.

Review building safety measures

Consider engaging with your building’s management or homeowner’s association to understand the building’s safety features and if they have any procedures set in place, so you can consider any additional precautions you need to take to secure your family.

Regularly review and implement

Regularly review and update the safety measures you have in place as your children grow or as you observe potential new risks. Implementing safety measures requires diligence and ongoing effort.

The heartbreaking incidents in Cebu and Taguig serve as stark reminders of the importance of balcony and window safety in condominiums or even apartments. By considering and implementing these safety tips, parents can ensure a safer environment for their children.

Read here for everything you need to know about buying a condo.