Window and balcony safety

Find out about window restrictors and other ways of using windows and staying cool safely.

Windows in all council homes above the ground floor should be fitted with catches – called window restrictors – to stop them opening too wide. Window restrictors keep people - especially children - safe from falls, which can be fatal. They are designed to let fresh air in without letting the window open wide enough that someone could fall through.

It’s important not to change or remove the window restrictors in your home. If you spot any issues, or aren’t sure if they’re working properly, let us know straight away.

Properly fitted window restrictors should look like this photo.

The inside view of a window with a restrictor, two separate hinges joined by a thick wire with one attached to the outer frame vertically and the other to the inner window frame horizontally.

Report a problem with widow restrictors

If you have found an issue with your window restrictors, or if they are missing, let us know so we can fix it. Report repairs:

online
by email: repairs@islington.gov.uk
by phone: 080 0694 3344 or 020 7527 5400.

Keeping children safe

To keep children safe around windows at home, make sure to:

check your window restrictors are working properly and report any issues
teach children to play away from windows
make sure furniture they can climb on is away from windows and balconies, and can’t be moved to use as a step
keep windows closed and locked when not needed or when young children aren’t being supervised
don't show children how to remove window restrictors
ask about window safety when you visit other people’s homes with your children.

Staying cool safely

To stay cool safely in your home when temperatures rise, try:

closing curtains and blinds in the day – heavy curtains and blackout blinds keep heat out best
only opening windows when it’s cooler, so you don’t let hot air in – if possible, open them on two sides of your home to encourage a breeze
if you’re using a fan, placing a dish of ice in front of it and keep doors closed so it cools the room you’re in
not to use appliances like ovens or washing machines during the hottest part of the day because they create heat
having cool showers or using cold-water bottles.

GOV.UK has more tips on staying cool and safe.