Keep kids away from balconies this winter: Abu Dhabi Police

UAE - With the onset of the winter season, it’s natural for people to pull up a chair and sit on their balconies. Taking a proactive step, the Abu Dhabi Police on Friday urged families to take caution and make sure that balconies would be off limits to children.

Through a video posted on their social media account, the police have warned people about the hazards of leaving chairs or other furniture in the balcony.

With an open window or a door to the balcony, children — when left unattended — may climb onto the chair and try to catch glimpses of the scenery outside. This could be dangerous as they could lose balance and fall.

“Keep a close eye on children. Keep furniture away from windows. Instal locks on windows and doors,” the police said.

They stressed that parents and caregivers must always supervise children because they could easily carry a small chair from the room to the balcony if the windows or doors are kept open.

“Close windows when not in use. Close them tightly as most sliding windows can be easily opened by children.”

Police have also urged families to instal metal bars and safety locks on windows.