The CSD initiative involves the placement of educational posters in elevators and common areas. ARCHIVE

Sharjah's Child Safety Department launches campaign to prevent child balcony accidents

The Child Safety Department (CSD) in Sharjah has launched a campaign to increase awareness about the potential risks children face from balconies and windows, teaching communities about these hazards and offering practical advice to reduce the prevalent incidents of injuries and even fatalities among children. Part of the "Their Safety First" summer campaign, the CSD has partnered with the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, Sharjah Police General Command, Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority, and Sharjah City Municipality. The initiative's objective is to enhance parental awareness and promote the implementation of safety measures within households by conducting on-site visits to residential buildings across the city. This involves the strategic use of informative posters in building elevators and lobbies, encouraging parents to take necessary precautions to protect their children from the risks associated with heights and balconies. Aligned with the ongoing campaign, the CSD has issued essential guidelines for parents to follow in order to protect their children from balcony-related accidents. Recommendations include not leaving children unsupervised in the household or on balconies, seeking proper authorization for the installation of transparent acrylic barriers on balconies, ensuring the secure closure of balcony doors except when needed, and using appropriate safety locks on windows and balcony access points. The CSD also highlighted the importance of promoting a safety-conscious mindset among children by educating them about the dangers of climbing or hanging from balconies. The department strongly advocates collaboration with relevant organizations to establish effective safety protocols and standards in this area. Falls from elevated surfaces rank as the second leading cause of unintentional fatalities globally. Disturbing data from the World Health Organization underscores the increased vulnerability of children, underscoring the urgent need for collective efforts. Nahla Al Saadi, Deputy Director of CSD, emphasized the department's primary goal of protecting children from potential hazard and stresses the danger posed by children falling from balconies or windows, particularly due to their natural curiosity and developmental stage. Al Saadi pointed out that poor supervision by parents or caregivers often contributes to such incidents. By raising awareness and promoting safety measures at home, particularly concerning balconies and windows, the CSD aims to minimize these risks. Al Saadi emphasizes that these measures, which are straightforward and cost-effective, can significantly reduce the chance of falls and ensure the well-being of children. KKL/Expat Media
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