Safety tips in daily life: Incident of children getting trapped in security nets; Is your balcony safe?

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In just over half a month, three incidents of children getting trapped in security nets have occurred in Haikou. Is your balcony safe? Do you know how wide the gaps between the bars of your security net are? Don’t think that installing a security net is something that can be done carelessly! It’s not a joke – the security net is meant to ensure children’s safety. Recently, several incidents of children getting trapped in security nets have taken place in Haikou, which not only reveals a lack of supervision on the part of parents regarding their young children but also draws attention to the safety issues associated with security nets. “The gaps in the security nets are too large; otherwise, how could children get stuck there? Many citizens believe that these wide gaps in the security nets are a major cause of children getting stuck or even falling from buildings. Hu Chengyong, reporter from NanGuo City News: On the afternoon of November 2nd, on the fifth floor of a residential building next to the Youth Palace, opposite QiongTai Normal School in Haikou City, a little girl around 3 years old got trapped in the balcony security net; her lower body hung outside the balcony, while her father knelt on the balcony and held tightly to her upper body. Fortunately, the firefighters arrived in time and successfully rescued the trapped child. 2. On the morning of October 19, a child in Haikou was playing on the window sill on the fifth floor of his home when he accidentally got stuck in the gap of the security net. Ultimately, the firefighters managed to rescue the trapped child. 3. At around 3:30 p.m. on October 15, a boy in Building 25 of Jinshan Community on Haikeng Road in Haikou City was trapped outside the security window on the 4th floor, with his body hanging outside and unable to be pulled back inside. The firefighters used ropes to secure the boy and successfully rescued him. Investigation: Stainless steel security nets are commonly installed in residential complexes. On November 4, reporters visited several residential areas and urban villages in Haikou and found that the installation of security nets is very common, whether in new or old residential complexes or rental buildings. Most residential complexes or rental buildings are equipped with stainless steel security nets, but some older complexes or rental buildings still use traditional security nets made of welded rebar. Furthermore, invisible security nets are also very common in some new residential areas. In the Sea Star Home community near Jinpan, where the apartments were delivered no more than 5 years ago, the buildings are covered with security nets from the ground level; these nets are mostly made of stainless steel. Among them, many of the security nets extend over the balconies; residents not only hang their clothes on these nets, but some also place mops, flower pots, and other items there. “Having security windows installed at home gives one a sense of peace; everyone else does the same. ”Mr. Liu, a resident who was enjoying the cool air downstairs, said that since he didn’t have any children at home, he had no special requirements during the renovation and simply went with the standards commonly used by the craftsmen. Mr. Wang, who now lives in a residential complex in Guomao, said that at the time the property management there only allowed the installation of invisible security nets. “But if I had a choice, I still wouldn’t want to install this kind of invisible anti-theft mesh, as I feel that such thin material isn’t effective in providing any protection against theft. ” Industry standards: The horizontal spacing between the bars of security nets should generally not exceed 10 centimeters. Many citizens believe that too wide spacing between the steel bars of such nets poses a serious risk to children’s safety. So what is the standard spacing for security nets? The reporter learned that Haikou currently has no clear regulations regarding the specifications and shape of such nets. Sister Fu, who has been running an anti-theft net business in Haikou for many years, said that as far as she knows, there is no set standard regarding the spacing between the mesh points of anti-theft nets in Haikou at present. However, her shop follows the industry practices in that area; the horizontal spacing between the mesh points of the anti-theft nets they produce and install is generally kept at no more than 10 centimeters, while the vertical spacing is usually around 40 centimeters, with a maximum of 45 centimeters. “Anyway, our store follows these industry standards; as for other stores, we can’t guarantee anything. ”Sister Fu admitted frankly that the entry barrier for their industry is relatively low; as long as one learns the skill and can find customers, anyone can get into this business. “As long as the spacing of the anti-theft net is strictly kept at less than 10 centimeters, a child’s head will get stuck, preventing them from falling through. ”Sister Fu said that security nets are used for preventing theft and providing protection; “it’s impossible for them to prevent children from getting out at all – that’s not realistic.” ” If parents are concerned about their child’s safety, they can request that the horizontal spacing of the security net be reduced when it is installed. “Reducing the horizontal spacing of the anti-theft net is the best method. ”Sister Fu said. Reminder: Do not place stools on balconies, as children may climb up onto them. Pediatricians at the Provincial Hospital explain that children aged 1–2 have poor coordination skills and a wide range of movement, which increases the risk of falls. Children aged 3-4 enjoy climbing and imitating; they want to learn to fly like birds or Ultraman, and are prone to falling from heights. Doctors advise that parents must not be careless when taking their children with them; clutter on balconies and windowsills should be cleared away promptly. Do not place items such as stools or desks that could be used for climbing, and under no circumstances should any stepping stones be provided for children. The most important thing is to never let children be out of their guardians’ sight, and certainly not lock them alone in a room. What is the appropriate spacing for security mesh? If you have children under 6 years old, it should be 8 cm or less. According to research, generally, children under 6 years old have a chest circumference of over 8 cm, and their head diameter ranges from 12 to 17 cm (for those over 3 years old). Setting the horizontal spacing between the steel bars of the security mesh at 8 cm or less can better ensure the safety of these children. If there are infants or toddlers at home, the spacing between the steel bars of the security mesh should be no more than 5 centimeters. For families with infants and toddlers, this is important because the head size of newborns is usually around 8-12 centimeters; if the gaps between the bars of the security mesh are too large, there is a risk that the infants or toddlers might try to get through them. How can it be made safer? Place more iron sheet or aluminum plate at the bottom layer. As a precaution, if the children’s room has bay windows, it’s best to install stainless steel railings on one side. The most secure approach is to add another layer of iron sheet or aluminum plate beneath the security mesh, so as to prevent danger when children play on the window sill. Of course, in addition to the spacing, when purchasing security nets, citizens should ask the seller about details such as the spacing between the steel tubes, the material, and the thickness of the security net. Experts in the construction industry also state that qualified anti-theft steel windows must be made from steel with a diameter of 12 millimeters or more, and that meets **quality standards.