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Keeping your children safe at home

18/09/2025

Accidents happen at home - and every year children are sadly hurt by falling from windows and balconies. But the good news is these accidents can be prevented.

What to watch out for

Recent research shows that accidents with windows or balconies are more likely to happen when the right precautions aren’t in place. By spotting everyday risks and making a few small changes, you can help keep your children safe and feel more confident at home.

Simple steps families can take

Here are some easy things you can do to keep your children safe at home:

  • Move furniture away from windows and balconies. Children love to climb, and even ground floor windows can be dangerous
  • Fit window catches or locks. These limit how far a window can open. If yours are broken, please our Repairs team on
    0800 035 1991 – we’ll be happy to help with safety locks or restrictors
  • Keep your keys safe and easy to find. If you use locks, always make sure you can find the keys quickly in case of a fire
  • Never leave young children alone in rooms with open windows – especially when you need to open them wider for cooking or on hot days
  • Always keep an eye on children when they’re on a balcony, and lock balcony doors when they’re not in use

What we’re doing to help

We fit window restrictors in all empty homes before new residents move in, and check them as part of every Property MOT.

If your home doesn’t have window restrictors and you’d like them fitted, you can:

  • Book a Property MOT with our Repairs team by calling 0800 035 1991 or emailing repairsteam@poplarharca.co.uk (please add ‘Window restrictors’ in the subject line).
  • Or, if it’s easier, raise a request directly through MyHARCA.

We’re here to help make your home safer – and it’s ok to ask if you’re not sure what’s already in place.

Working together to prevent accidents

Falls from windows and balconies are serious, but preventable. By taking a few simple precautions, and making use of the support available, we can all help make our homes safer for children.