Balcony and window safety

If you’re living at height, it’s really important to check your windows regularly.

Use window opening restrictors. If you don’t have them or they’re not working, contact us and we’ll install new ones.
Do not sit or lean too far over your windowsills.

If you have a balcony, it’s important to be aware of safety for you, your family and visitors. We’ve put together some guidelines:

Never allow young children access to a balcony without an adult present
Keep your balcony door locked when not in use
If you have young children, consider installing a child-proof gate that you can lock when you’re not in the room and don’t want to lock the balcony door.

Here’s a few things to remember to keep you safe on your balcony

Never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony wall or railing
White goods like fridges should not be stored or used on balconies
Never try to pass items to someone on another balcony
If you smoke on a balcony, extinguish cigarettes properly – do not discard them on or over your balcony
Never try to climb onto another balcony from your balcony
Do not modify your balcony, including adding screening such as reeds or artificial leaves
Keep furniture away from the railing and never let children climb on it
Remember that netting to prevent birds accessing your balcony is not safety netting
Don’t store items on your balcony including rubbish
Do not store or use BBQs, gas bottles or heaters on your balcony

Report problems with your windows or balconies to the customer repairs team. Email customerrepairsteam@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9284 1311.