Responsibility for child safety lies ultimately with parents

SHARJAH // While strict rules governing the height of balconies and windows in buildings in the emirate surpass international standards, the onus for preventing children being hurt or killed in accidents still lies with the parents and carers.

Although building experts and parents insist that such standards offer sufficient protection, incidents still occur because children are left unattended or are able to climb up to windows and balconies using tables or other furniture.

“Families with young children should instal iron bars if they have balconies,” said Ziyad Kiswani, an engineer at a construction company in Sharjah. “But however vigilant parents are, kids can get away in a blink of an eye.”

Sharjah Municipality regulations state that balcony barriers and windows should be at least 1.2 metres above floor level, despite international standards specifying only one metre.

“Regulations towards safety in Sharjah apartments are quite good and are in accordance with international standards,” said Mr Kiswani.

In the latest incident, a seven-year-old boy fell from an eighth-floor balcony in the emirate this week while trying to feed birds in Sharjah. Last year, four children were killed or seriously injured in similar incidents across the emirates.

“My three-year-old son is not allowed near our small balcony. We make sure it is always locked,” said 28-year-old Egyptian Manar Suliman, adding that news of the death of the seven-year-old child earlier this week had frightened her and her husband.

Ms Suliman, who is pregnant, said she was installing extra locks on her apartment’s windows and balcony because she expects to be kept busy with her new baby and toddler.

Last year, Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties installed 40,000 safety devices on windows and balconies in towers around the capital to prevent children from falling and to raise awareness about the importance of safety in the home.

Sharjah Municipality launched an awareness campaign last year to inform parents and carers about child safety. Residents who want to instal extra security protection on balconies are required to get permission from the municipality.

tzuriekat@thenational.ae