So you can finally have peace of mind, knowing your little ones are safe.
If there’s one thing kids and pets have in common, it’s their curiosity for everything around them – and by extension, a penchant for wandering around.
Of course, this can also cause a great deal of worry for parents and pet owners when their kids and pets are out of sight, especially with most of us living in high-rise apartments.
With all the possible dangers of open windows, window safety is one important part of child- (and pet-) proofing homes in Singapore, so we put together a list of the different ways you can keep your home safe for its little occupants.
What’s more, these are zero-reno solutions, so you can get them done anytime you need them – even after renovating.
1. Get window restrictors/child safety locks
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One of the simplest methods to ensure your kids and furbabies stay safe? Getting window restrictors – not only are they cost-effective, but they’re also easy to install.
While they come in a variety of designs, they all do the same thing: prevent your kids from opening the window too wide.
Just remember that you won’t be able to keep your windows open wider unless you unlock them (if they’re the type that comes with a key) or remove them in the future.
2. Consider using a pet mesh
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If you have an adventurous pet that loves to clamber onto the highest possible surface, window safety couldn’t be more important to prevent an accidental fall while the windows are open.
One option is installing pet meshes/screens to keep your pets safe: these are usually made of a durable polyester material that also resists tear and damage from your pets’ clawing and biting.
This way, you can still keep your windows open to let the light in and ventilate your rooms.
Depending on the design of the mesh you get, one drawback is that it might block some of the natural light.
3. Install invisible window grilles
Aluminium window grilles have long been an iconic fixture, particularly in older flats in Singapore. While they’re an excellent solution for window safety, there’s no denying that their distinct look sticks out like a sore thumb and gets in the way of enjoying the view.
Though you can remove them or choose not to get them at all for a new flat, you might need alternatives to make sure your family stays safe.
Well, you don’t have to give up on aesthetics or safety with an up-and-coming choice for homes here: invisible window grilles.
Invisible window grilles, as the name implies, are ‘invisible’ because they’re made of fine, thin cables which aren’t visible from a distance.
The TiM Invisible Grilles, for instance, offer a sleek and modern alternative to the traditional options – most importantly, these durable stainless steel cables can endure forces of up to 180kg.
You can get them in a custom design that blends with your home design, based on the:
- Type of grilles – fixed position or sliding (casement/sliding/bi-fold)
- Direction of grilles – horizontal or vertical
- Sizes of the gaps between grilles
Whether it’s for your young children or pets, you can work out a result that is maximised for their safety.
They come with additional benefits too: you get plenty of natural light (unlike with pet meshes), unobstructed views and much better ventilation since you can open your windows wide.
Since they’re easy to clean and maintain too, they’re definitely a good option to consider for ensuring your home’s window safety.
4. Opt for cordless and/or motorised shades
You might be considering window coverings like shades to keep the heat out and to protect your furnishings like flooring and furniture from heat damage.
One thing that often gets overlooked is that these usually come with cords. For families with very young children and pets, this could end up becoming more of a risk than a help – hanging cords that come with shades, particularly looped cards, pose a strangulation hazard.
To ensure your children’s and pets’ safety, opt for cordless shades wherever you install them. The TiM Window Shades are one such choice; they’re motorised too, so you can control them remotely.
You can have these shades customised to perfectly fit spaces like the service yard in HDB flats and balconies in your home. They’re designed to block sunlight and heat, which also helps you to manage energy costs by lowering indoor temperatures.
You get to choose from two opacity options – 0% and 1% – to decide on how much light you want to let in.
And since shades are often exposed to the outdoor weather, these are designed to endure Singapore’s fickle weather: they’re windproof and won’t let rain in.
Their sturdy build also means the flap will stay in place without lifting.
Keep your kids and furbabies out of harm’s way with the right window guards
View this project by Briey Interior
Whether it’s your young children or pets, it’s always best to take precautions to ensure their safety with quality and lasting solutions – whichever of the above options you choose.
TiM Home’s solutions offer just that, along with premium materials and excellent workmanship that’s tailored to your unique needs. You can also rely on their dedicated customer service to see you along/enquire on promotions.
