Burnaby toddler falls from second-storey window, prompting warning from RCMP

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BURNABY (NEWS 1130) — A toddler who fell from a second-storey window in Burnaby was not badly hurt, but police are out with a reminder to secure doors and windows to keep kids safe as temperatures soar.

On Sunday, officers were called to a home in South Burnaby “after witnesses saw a child fall from a window on the second floor,” according to Burnaby RCMP.

The 14-month-old was taken to the hospital but found not to have not suffered any serious injury.

Cpl. Mike Kalanj says while the outcome, in this case, was not tragic — it was alarming nonetheless.

“A family was just getting ready for bed and while dealing with one of the children, a toddler — as toddlers will — made its way to the window of the second floor, and fell to the ground. Luckily, there were no major injuries. He was brought to the hospital and checked out. It’s all good, there’s nothing suspicious here,” he says.

“It’s scary, just put yourself in that situation, as a parent or even just anyone that’s thinking about watching kids, it’s very frightening.”

As the weather heats up, Kalanj says it’s a good time to check and secure doors and windows.

“Unfortunately, this does happen every year. We’re busy people, and we just get carried away. It’s no one’s fault, but you know we can mitigate it by making sure there’s no furniture by the windows, making sure we have screens and locks in the windows, and if you do have a window open — there are devices you can buy that will save you from the horror of this happening in your house.”

RELATED: BC Children’s issues window safety tips as temperatures rise

Mounties have provided a list of tips for anyone with children in the house.

    • Move household items away from windows to discourage children from climbing to peer out.
    • Don’t underestimate a child’s mobility; children begin climbing before they can walk.
    • Toddlers may use anything as a step stool to get higher.
    • Be aware that window screens will not prevent children from falling through – they keep bugs out, not children in.
    • Install window guards on windows above the ground level. These act as a gate in front of the window.
    • Install window and door safety locks so that they cannot open more than 10 centimetres (four inches).
    • Talk to your children about the dangers of opening and playing near windows, particularly on upper floors of the home.

With files from Jonathan Szekeres

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