PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
With about eight children having been swept away in drains and rivers this monsoon, Dehradun district administration is preparing a detailed set of safety guidelines to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
The guidelines, prepared under the campaign ‘Safe Child – Our Commitment,’ aim to protect children from accidents, abuse, wild animals and other dangers at home, Anganwadi centres, schools, roads and playgrounds. Speaking of the matter, the Dehradun district magistrate Ashish Chauhan said that the administration is focusing especially on vulnerable areas to make the environment safer for children.
The guidelines advise parents to keep medicines, pesticides, phenyl, sharp objects, matches and electrical wires away from children. Hot food, boiling water and gas-related items should also be kept out of their reach. Families living in multi-storey buildings have been asked to take extra care around lifts, stairs and balconies.
Parents have also been advised to supervise children in playgrounds and keep them away from broken swings and other unsafe areas. Children should not be allowed near ponds, drains, water tanks and other water sources without adult supervision.
Special precautions have been suggested for villages located near forests and areas where tiger movement has been reported. Children should avoid going outside alone during the early morning, evening and night. They should travel in groups or with adults, carry a torch in darkness and make noise while passing through forest or desolate paths.
The administration has also stressed road safety. Parents should hold children’s hands while crossing roads and teach them to stop, look and cross. Children should use footpaths and zebra crossings, while helmets and seat belts should be used during travel.
Schools and Anganwadi centres have been advised to maintain clean premises, first-aid facilities, secure gates and safe furniture. School buses should have CCTV cameras, GPS tracking and a female attendant.
