"Children in the Spotlight!" – A campaign by the Ministry of Emergency Situations has been launched across the country.

How long does it take for a child to get matches from a cupboard? To switch on an electrical appliance? Or, perhaps, to hide from prying eyes and start a fire? There is only one correct answer to these and similar questions – absolutely no time at all, if parents are closely monitoring their child and not leaving them unattended.

How long does it take for a child to get matches from a cupboard? To switch on an electrical appliance? Or, perhaps, to hide from prying eyes and start a fire? There is only one correct answer to these and similar questions – absolutely no time at all, if parents are closely monitoring their child and not leaving them unattended.

Unfortunately, statistics show that the majority of "fire" injuries sustained by children are caused by two factors: restless curiosity and lack of adult supervision. And while it is impossible to prevent a child from exploring the world around them, it is within everyone's power to ensure their safety in advance.

From 22 August, a preventive campaign "Focus on Children!" will be launched across the republic and will last until 21 September.

The campaign events, held in two stages, are aimed at drawing public attention to the problem of child deaths and injuries from fires due to being left unattended.

Thus, from 22 to 31 August, in large shopping centres and other retail outlets specialising in goods for preschool and school-aged children, Ministry of Emergency Situations employees, together with activists from the Belarusian Youth Public Association for Rescue and Survival (BMOOSP) and the Children's Youth Public Association for Rescue and Survival (KyuSP), will remind parents of the dangers of leaving children unattended and advise them on how to protect their families from emergencies. Here, rescuers will also invite children to participate in the quest "Safety Exam 2022". Participants will receive a special bracelet and a "Safety Diary" containing life safety tasks that must be completed to obtain a "Certificate of Completion of the Safety Exam in 2022".

The second stage of the campaign will take place from 1 to 21 September in educational institutions of the city. Safety lessons, interactive platforms, competitions, and gifts – all this and much more awaits all participants of the campaign!