How to keep your child safe during summer vacation? A reminder from the Ministry of Emergency Situations 1. Monitor your child's safety while playing outside. Do not leave them unattended. 2. When relaxing by the water, use inflatable life jackets and other safety equipment. 3. Teach your child the rules of the road so they know how to cross streets safely. 4. Be cautious of dangerous plants and animals while spending time in nature. 5. Maintain communication with your child so they can always

During the summer holidays, many children go to visit their grandparents or to camps, while some stay at home. It is the responsibility of adults to protect them from reckless actions and teach them about safety. To do this, let’s recall simple rules together with rescuers.

AT HOME

1) A child of primary school age should know their home address and phone number. Teach them how to use a mobile phone so that they can call emergency services if necessary, as well as you at work. Next to the phone, attach a piece of paper with all the necessary numbers. Explain to the child under what circumstances they can use them.
2) Explain that in case of a fire, they must run outside and call for help; they should never hide.
3) Keep matches and lighters in places inaccessible to children.
4) Do not allow your child to use gas and electrical appliances or to heat stoves on their own.
5) If possible, assign older children to supervise younger ones.
6) Under no circumstances leave young children unattended.
7) Give the child some task or assignment; in other words, keep them occupied so that they are engaged in something useful and interesting in your absence.
8) Do not leave small children unattended!!!

IN THE VILLAGE OR AT THE DATCHA

1) When sending children to the village or to the dacha, remind them once again about the basic safety rules. After all, playing with matches in attics, haylofts, and sheds, setting fire to dry grass or poplar fluff is a common "entertainment" for preschool and younger school-age children.
2) If you are planning a long construction or renovation at the dacha, fence off dangerous areas. Store tools and materials in places inaccessible to children, taking them out as needed. Explain to the little ones that playing at construction sites or in areas where repairs are being made is unsafe.
3) The village or dacha is not only for relaxation but also for taking care of the garden and vegetable patch. If you have treated vegetables with chemicals, be sure to secure the area with some kind of fencing and clearly explain to the child that entering there is strictly prohibited, especially picking and tasting anything. Store medicines and chemicals needed for both gardening and household purposes in places inaccessible to the child.
4) Ensure that there are no poisonous plants on the property. If there is a forest nearby, show and tell the child which plants and berries should not be touched and especially not eaten.
5) While doing household chores, remember that the child should not be left to their own devices — you should know where they are and who they are playing with. When it comes to small children, the advice is simple — do not leave them unattended even for a few minutes.

AT THE WATER BODY

Many disappointments and misfortunes come from places of recreation such as water bodies. Do not let the child swim alone; always monitor the situation. Do not allow them to swim for more than 10 minutes, dive in unfamiliar places, or fool around in the water.

STRANGERS

The main thing here is to teach children not to communicate with strangers. Ask the child what they would do if they suddenly found themselves alone at home and someone rang the doorbell. Would they say that their mom is not home or even open the door to a barely familiar person — it is important to know and understand this in advance. Teach them that it is better to ask, "Who is there?" and then say that "Dad is sleeping." Or immediately call the parents and say that someone is ringing the doorbell.

STRAY ANIMALS

In summer, children spend most of their time playing outside. But what should a child do if a stray dog approaches them, starts growling and barking? Explain that they should not run away, wave their hands, or make other sudden movements, look the dog in the eyes, or panic. The best option is to stop, give the command "No!" or "Sit!", and then slowly move to a shelter.

TRAFFIC RULES

In addition, remind your child daily about traffic rules. This is not only about how and where to cross the road but also about the rules for cyclists, as riding a bicycle is one of the favorite summer activities for children. By the way, children under 14 years old are strictly prohibited from riding on roads and streets. This also applies to yards where cars drive. Those who are not yet fourteen can ride on bike paths and closed areas for cars.

CONCLUSION

Of course, it is impossible to foresee all situations and give advice for every occasion in life. However, it is possible and necessary to teach a child to be cautious. And no one can do this better than parents. Attention, love, and care are the best means to protect your little one from possible trouble. And remember: the child is always watching you. Therefore, let your example of following safety rules teach them and give them a healthy, happy, and safe childhood.