Window and balcony safety during summer

 Summer is a time to enjoy longer days, warmer weather and more time spent at home. Whether you're keeping rooms cool, spending time on your balcony or entertaining the family during the school holidays, a few simple checks can help everyone enjoy the season as safely as possible.  

By taking a few simple precautions around your windows and balconies, you can help reduce the risk of accidents, giving you more peace of mind while enjoying the fresh air.

Jump to:

• Why summer increases the risk
• Keeping windows safe
• Understanding window restrictors
• Balcony safety for children and families
• Making the most of your balcony

Why summer increases the risk 

Summer brings plenty of opportunities to enjoy longer days and warmer weather, but it can also increase the likelihood of accidents around windows and balconies. 

Windows may be opened wider or more frequently to improve airflow, while children spending more time at home can be naturally curious about their surroundings. Balconies can also become busier areas of the home as people spend more time outdoors. 

The good news is that a few simple steps can help keep everyone safe. 

Keeping windows safe 

Keeping your home cool during warmer weather is important, but it's equally important to make sure windows are being used safely, especially where children and pets are concerned. 

Here are some simple ways to help reduce risks: 

• Never leave young children unattended near open windows
• Keep beds, sofas, chairs, toy boxes and other climbable furniture away from windows
• Use window restrictors, locks and window safety latches where they are fitted.
• Never remove, disable or tamper with safety devices
• If you need to open a window wider to cool a room, and your safety device allows, make sure children and pets are supervised and to reengage the device as soon as soon as possible 

Window restrictors and safety catches play an important role in helping to keep homes safe. 

Think a window restrictor is damaged, loose or missing? Don’t wait until routine inspections, report a repair as soon as possible so we can take a look and put things right.  

Understanding window restrictors 

Window restrictors are designed to limit how far a window can open, helping to reduce the risk of falls while still allowing fresh air into your home. They normally limit the opening to a safe gap of no more than 100mm when in use. 

They are an important feature for child window safety and should always be used as intended. While keeping your home cool is important during warm weather, it's equally important not to adjust safety features designed to protect your household. 

Warmer weather can bring additional challenges around the home, from keeping rooms well-ventilated to staying safe in the heat. Our guide on 10 tips to keep your home cool during summer includes practical ways to manage temperatures around the home, helping reduce the need to keep windows fully open during the hottest parts of the day. 

Balcony safety for children and families 

Balconies can be a great place to relax and enjoy the warmer weather. Taking a few simple precautions can help make them safer for everyone in your household: 

• Always supervise children when they're using a balcony
• Keep balcony doors locked or restricted when the balcony isn't in use
• Avoid storing items close to balcony edges or railings
• Remember that furniture, storage boxes, bikes and other household items can sometimes create unintended climbing opportunities
• Do not use BBQs or fire pits on balconies
• Avoid using paddling pools on balconies. Even small paddling pools can become very heavy once filled with water, with the extra weight creating a safety hazard 

Warmer weather can sometimes make it harder for children to relax and settle at home. For practical advice on helping them stay comfortable during hotter days, take a look at Tips to keep kids cool in hot weather, whether they're indoors or playing outside.

Making the most of your balcony 

Balconies can be ideal for: 

• Relaxing 
• Enjoying fresh air 
• Small outdoor seating areas
• Container gardening, where permitted 

They aren't designed for climbing or play activities, or for storing excessive items that could create trip hazards or make it easier to climb near railings.

Keeping your balcony tidy and free from unnecessary clutter can help make it a safer, more enjoyable space throughout the summer. 

Keeping kids entertained during the summer can be half the battle. If you're planning ways to get out and have some family fun, our guide to Saving money during the summer months includes plenty of ideas for enjoyable, low-cost activities.