Children + fire = tragedy

Children's play with fire often leads to fires. As practice shows, such fires often occur due to the lack of skills among children in handling fire carefully, insufficient control over their behavior by adults, and in some cases the inability of parents to organize their children's leisure time. At the age of three to seven, children often imitate the actions and deeds of adults in their games, mimicking their work. The desire for independence is especially evident when children are left alone. One cannot be sure that a child, left alone at home, will not decide to play with a box of matches or a lighter, will not want to set paper on fire, or will not make a bonfire that they saw in the forest.

Prevent children's play with fire:
- teach the child what to do in case of a fire, show them possible exits for evacuation;
- teach the child not to panic and not to hide in case of a fire;
- do not trust children to monitor electrical appliances, stoves, and gas cookers;
- hide matches, lighters, and other items from the child;
- do not leave young children unattended!
- monitor how children spend their free time, what interests them, distract them from unproductive pastimes.
- remember: protective devices on electrical outlets reduce the risk of electric injuries in homes with small children;
- regularly check household appliances for damage;
- explain to children that they cannot use electrical appliances without adult permission.

In raising a child and instilling necessary skills for safe behavior at home, parents themselves must first and foremost set a good example of behavior. After all, the primary responsibility for preventing injuries at home lies with the parents; rational organization of childcare, caution, responsibility, and self-discipline should play a leading role in preventing dangerous situations. The task of parents is to maximize the safety of their child – to instill skills of caution, discipline, and safe behavior.