Child mortality is too high a price

November 5, 2024

Currently, the issue of child mortality and injuries from external causes, including fires, is one of the most pressing and relevant. Annually, cases of child mortality and injuries are recorded in the republic. The statistics will not leave any adult indifferent: in 2022, 14 children died in fires, in 2023 – 9, since the beginning of 2024, 10 cases of child mortality in fires have been recorded, and 28 children have been injured due to natural disasters, specifically wind gusts. Also, for the first time this year, natural disasters, specifically wind gusts, claimed the life of one child as a result of falling trees.

One case of child mortality was recorded in the Vitebsk region. In October of this year, in the Sharkovshchinsky district, three people, including a child, became victims of the fire element.

Fires and burns rank among the leading causes of child injuries. In the republic alone, over the past ten years, fire has claimed the lives of more than ninety children.

Behind each of these tragic cases lies a story where adults play the main role: carelessly extinguished a cigarette butt, failed to repair a stove in time, did not replace wiring, dismantled a smoke detector, did not supervise a child, or even, in that fatal moment, parents left them alone. Many parents underestimate or even ignore the risks of numerous potentially dangerous situations.

According to statistics, the main causes of fires in which the largest number of children die are typically children's pranks with fire, careless handling of fire, including during smoking, and violation of the rules for operating electrical networks and equipment.

Examining each individual case where children's pranks with fire became the cause of child mortality, one realizes that the tragedies were accompanied by ordinary life circumstances – parents went to work, to the store, to neighbors, or were engaged in household chores in the yard. In other words, the children were left unsupervised. In various emergency situations, children often suffer from fire due to their lack of preparedness. A child does not know how to behave in case of a fire, how to act, whom to ask for help, and most importantly, how to save themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to explain to children the dangers of playing and pranks with fire.

precautions when using electrical appliances.

It is recommended that parents teach their children the basic rules in case of fire. Every child needs to know the "5 steps to safety": do not panic, do not hide anywhere, escape the premises, inform adults, call 112.

When it comes to young children, there is only one piece of advice: do not leave them unattended, even for a few minutes. While doing household chores, do not forget that a child should not be left to their own devices – you should know where and with whom they are playing.

During outdoor play, many injuries occur due to poor choice of location – there is a high risk of injury from falling or hitting something. The lack of order in playgrounds, yards, and open areas poses a particular danger to children. Children should be taught not to play where there are pits, stakes, wires, broken glass, nails, etc. Injuries occur when schoolchildren, during play, encounter metal objects sticking out of the ground. Under no circumstances should parents neglect to supervise their children's play areas.

Of course, it is impossible to completely protect a child from harm. However, grandparents, parents, and older siblings can teach them how to act correctly in an emergency, and children should be taught safety from the earliest years.

We must remind adults once again that when it comes to ensuring children's safety, one should not make the mistake of silently thinking "this won't happen to me." Remember that a child develops a culture of safe behavior from childhood for their entire life. And much here depends on the example of the adult themselves: their behavior, adherence to safety rules, support, and protection. Parents, adults – protect your children!