Dubai alerts children on home safety

You may think your house is safe but with Dubai Municipality’s latest campaign, you will think twice.

Authorities are targeting children in their latest campaign to alert them against the dangers hidden in their homes.

The video shows how a distracted mother leaves her son unattended in the kitchen,who is unaware of the hidden dangers that can put his life at risk.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for fatal accidents to occur at home, especially in incidents where children are involved.   

In January 2017

after the front gate of his neighbour’s home fell, crushing him to death

Gulf News also reported that in November 2016

The victims’ relative in a previous interview, said the accident was caused when the children saw a cat and started chasing it in the backyard. The cat was then followed into the abandoned water well. 

The Public Health and Safety Department of the civic body launched the campaign earlier this year, under the slogan, “Is Your Home Safe”, based on the statistics and studies related to domestic accidents. 

“Records available with the department indicate an increase in domestic accidents in recent times due to a lack of awareness about home safety practices, which are not followed by parents, children and maids at home,” said Redha Salman, director the department. 

However, he did not provide the number of accidents reported.

The top 5 deadly risks in your house

1. Your bedroom/living room is full of tall furniture. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, one child dies nearly every two weeks when a large dresser, bookcase, or other larger piece falls over and crushes him or her. You can keep safe and adhere taller furnishings to the wall with brackets, and always keep an eye on roaming, young kids and teach them not to climb the furniture.
2. You have unsecured windows. Parents are advised to install window guards with a quick release function (in case of fire) as well as gates, mounted to the top and foot of every staircase to keep kids secure.
3. The medicine cabinet is unlocked. Medications are the leading cause of child poisoning, according to Safe Kids Worldwide, which estimates that around 185 children are rushed to the ER each day after having taken medicine on their own.
4. You leave detergent pods around. Children may not be able to tell the difference between candy and laundry packets/ dishwasher pods. Always lock away all dangerous products (think: medication, cleaners, and such) out of the reach of children.
5. Cords are dangling from your window blinds. Curtain chords can be deadly, as well as cables and electrical cords. Make sure that cribs, beds and playroom furniture is away from children. Electrical cords should always be put away when not in use

source : gulfnews