Window and balcony safety

Serious and sometimes fatal accidents occur from people falling from windows or balconies. There is a particular danger for homes with young children and toddlers, who, if left unsupervised, for even a short time, can be at risk of falling.

Window restrictors, or catches, can be fitted to all windows to protect you and your family. These make your windows safe by allowing you to open your window and let fresh air in but prevent the window from opening wide enough for anyone to climb through.

All window restrictors are fitted with an override mechanism, so the window can be opened fully for cleaning.

To have restrictors fitted on your windows or arrange an appointment to check your existing restrictors are in good working order contact Housing Direct by phone on 020 7527 5400 or by email: repairs@islington.gov.uk

To help keep you and your family safe:

• make sure window restrictors are properly re-connected if a window has been opened fully, e.g. for cleaning
• check regularly to ensure your window restrictors are in good working order
• report any damage or problems with your window restrictors to Housing Direct as soon as possible to arrange a repair (free for tenants and rechargeable for leaseholders)
• try not to place furniture underneath or immediately next to windows or on balconies which young children could climb up