Decks and balconies pose
several hazards — the most serious being that your child could slip through the
railings and fall, or become wedged in the railings and suffocate. Fortunately,
with supervision and a few simple steps, you should be able to prevent these
accidents.
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| Example of safe spacing on deck railing |
If the railings on your deck or balcony create any gaps
that are wider than 4 inches, you'll need to make some modifications to stop
your child from squeezing through and to “child proof” the area. There are a
number of options on the market to do this --cover the railings with plastic
garden fencing, shade cloth, a sheet of clear plastic, or rigid sheets of
Plexiglas.
Get in the habit of keeping patio furniture away from
the railings -- this should include potted plants or other climbable objects.
Be aware of furniture light enough for a child to drag to the
balcony's edge. You don't want to give your child a chance to climb up and
go over the edge.
Consider adding latches to any doors or windows that
lead out to your balcony or deck. These latches should be installed well out of
your child's reach.
Ensure children are always SUPERVISED.
Ensure children are always SUPERVISED.
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