Astana Warns of Child Safety Risks from Falling Out of Windows Due to Mosquito Nets

In Astana, authorities have issued a warning about the serious danger of children falling out of windows, with mosquito nets being a factor in one out of every four cases. Protecting children's rights and ensuring their safety remain priority areas for government agencies.

Currently, Astana is home to over 545,000 children, with an annual increase of more than 20,000. As part of the ‘Children of Kazakhstan 2026–2030’ concept, a regional plan has been developed including over 40 measures aimed at preventing children from falling out of windows. This was announced at a briefing in the Capital Communications Service by representatives of the Department for Emergency Situations Prevention of the Astana Emergency Situations Department, the Children's Rights Protection Management, and the Police Department.

According to the speakers, falling from windows is still a cause of child injuries and fatalities, with the highest number of affected children being between the ages of 2 and 4. "Experience shows that in most cases, children fall from windows when they are not under proper adult supervision. Mosquito nets pose a particular danger. Approximately one in four falls occurs after a child pushes out a net, which is not designed to support weight and cannot prevent falls," the statement said.

The city administration has approved a Child Window Fall Prevention Plan for 2026, involving collaboration between the Police Department, the Emergency Situations Department, local executive bodies, and organizations. As part of the 'Safe Window' campaign, preventive raids, door-to-door visits, and information campaigns are held. Since the beginning of the year, the Emergency Situations Department has conducted over 500 inspections of apartment buildings, posted more than 13,000 safety reminders on information boards, and reached about 17,000 residents.

For socially vulnerable families, 1,700 safety locks have been installed on windows. Lectures have been conducted in 110 educational institutions, reaching over 6,000 students, with preventive sessions organized in 100 kindergartens and school camps. Information materials are distributed via parent WhatsApp groups and homeowners' association chats.

Additionally, from September 4 to 10, a preventive campaign was held in preschools, where about 150 window blockers were installed. The Children's Rights Protection Management also conducts awareness activities among parents, reaching around 10,000 people over the summer and distributing 5,000 checklists to ensure children's home safety.

Moreover, workplace briefings on child safety, video materials on the dangers of open windows and mosquito nets, and the importance of child supervision are prepared.

Experts strongly advise parents to follow these rules:

• Do not leave young children unsupervised;
• Install special locks and window blockers;
• Avoid placing furniture near windows;
• Do not allow children to play on window sills and balconies;
• Do not use mosquito nets as a safety measure against falls.

It is also noted that installing protective devices and maintaining constant supervision can reduce the risk of accidents. "For all questions related to protecting children's rights, city residents can contact the Children's Rights Protection Management through any available means of communication. Government authorities urge parents and all adults to take children’s safety seriously and not leave them unsupervised," concluded the specialists.

Reported by ЖКХ24 with reference to the website of the Astana Children's Rights Protection Management.

Photo: gov.kz