With summer right around the corner, BC Children’s Hospital is out with a warning for parents: secure your windows and balconies.

In 2025, the hospital treated 23 children with injuries related to falling from a window or balcony. This is a 35 per cent increase compared to the year before.

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Attending physician Dr. Genevieve Ernst says these numbers are unfortunate, and the injuries can be devastating, she says.

“Unfortunately, we have seen some fatalities, especially from the higher falls,” she said.

“Anything above a first storey can be exceedingly dangerous.”

The most serious injuries are caused by falls where children land on their heads.

“They often have pretty significant brain bleeds, and this can have a consequence for the child now, long-term, and for the whole rest of their life and their family as well,” she said.

“We do also see lots of broken bones, neck injuries, and sometimes some injuries of internal organs in the belly as well.”

Paramedics are often the first to treat children who have fallen from a window or balcony. BC Emergency Health Services public information officer Brian Twaites wants to remind parents that window screens will not prevent a fall.

“Install window guards or fasten windows so that they can’t open wider than 10 cm,” Twaites said.

“Remember, screens are great for keeping the bugs out, but not for keeping children in.”

There are other things parents can do to keep their kids safe, Ernst says.

“One of the key things is actually moving furniture and planters away from the edge of balconies and away from windows,” she said.

“I personally have a three-year-old at home, and I know how active these toddlers can get, running around the house.”

Parents shouldn’t underestimate a child’s mobility, as they often begin climbing even before they walk.