A child's prank with fire

One of the causes of fires is children's mischief with fire. Alas, the statistics are harsh and relentless. In the Vitebsk region, no child fatalities occurred in fires in 2019, 2020, and to date in 2021. However, unfortunately, across the republic, 4 children have died in fires.

Why do fires occur due to children's mischief with fire? Examining each case of child fatality, one understands that these tragedies were accompanied by ordinary life circumstances – parents went to work, to the shop, to neighbours, or were engaged in household chores in the yard. In other words, children were left unsupervised. This leads to the irreparable and cruel consequence of parental negligence: the death of a child.

In their games, children often imitate the actions and behaviour of adults. The desire for independence is particularly evident when a child is left alone. And one cannot be sure that a child, left alone at home, will not decide to play with a box of matches, will not want to set paper on fire, or will not become interested in the operation of household appliances, which are abundant in every apartment.

Therefore, before leaving home, it is necessary to entrust the supervision of the child to older children or an adult. To prevent the child from getting bored, they should be given a task: suggest a game theme, select appropriate toys. It is especially dangerous to leave children alone in locked apartments or rooms. In case of fire, they will not be able to leave the burning premises independently. Moreover, when escaping from fire and smoke, children usually hide in wardrobes, under beds, tables, or in room corners. Finding children amidst a developing fire is not an easy task.

Skills for careful handling of fire must be instilled in children from the age of 4-5. Efforts should be made to ensure that the child understands that matches are not a toy and fire is not a game, and that they develop an impression of fire as a severe disaster for people.

Preschool and primary school-aged children, especially boys, tend to use matches and hazardous items in their games. Children lack life experience, and consequently, they do not

may notto cause a fire. Therefore, when communicating with children, the emphasis should be placed not on prohibitions, but on explanations.

Where and how a child spends their leisure time, who they make friends with, what games they are interested in – these issues should be the subject of constant parental attention.

Fostering a child's personal safety immunity should be done with a sense of proportion. Conversations on these topics should be conducted in a friendly manner. Learning will not be in vain if you consider the peculiarities of child psychology and the individual characteristics of the child, explain and demonstrate with examples, games, films (cartoons), pictures, and real-life situations.

Explain what a particular device is intended for, how to use it correctly, and what precautions to observe. Explain that if used incorrectly, this device can cause a fire.

We draw parents' attention once again

that children should not just be "protected from fire": do not leave them unattended, do not allow them to play with matches and electrical appliances. It is necessary to teach children the rules of handling sources of fire and actions in case of fire.

Measures to prevent fires caused by children's pranks: do not leave matches, lighters in plain sight, and do not allow children to buy matches or cigarettes. Monitor children's leisure activities and do not leave children unattended. Do not entrust young children with watching stoves and heating appliances, or using gas appliances. Teach your child your home address and phone number so that they can call the rescue service for help if necessary. Near the phone, write down the emergency service numbers on a piece of paper and explain to the child under what circumstances they can be used.

Dear parents! Take care of your children – try to organize their leisure time, especially during the summer period. Teach them the rules of safe behavior. Children should have a happy childhood! And it is you, first and foremost, who are responsible for this.