Burns from fire and scalds from hot liquids rank second among hazards in terms of frequency and first as far as the severity of injuries go, according to a study. In 2014, in Pune alone, nearly 76,000 children under age 14 suffered burns and scalds. Of these, nearly 3,000 children, or eight children a day on an average, suffered third-degree burns.
Safe Kids Foundation India worked with Indian Market Research Bureau IMRB International to conduct a first-of-its-kind citywide assessment of the incidence and severity of preventable injuries among children at home. The report was released by M V Deshmukh, fire adviser to the Maharashtra government, in the presence of the city’s stakeholders representing schools, law-enforcement agencies, first responders, NGOs and prominent citizens. Kunal Kumar, Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation, was present on the occasion.
Safe Kids Foundation India, Safe Kids Worldwide and Honeywell India also announced the launch of ‘Safe Kids at Home’, a home-safety programme to help prevent and reduce burns and scalds among children aged below 14. Funded by a Honeywell India grant to Safe Kids Foundation India, the programme will educate 3.25 lakh students and 1.75 lakh parents over 2015-2017 and aspires to bring together citizens and civic bodies for making Pune a model “Safe Kids at Home” city.
“Healthcare, education, law enforcement and fire-safety agencies, families and the community are bringing a collective and focused effort and investment to the well-being of children by putting in place the means for reducing debilitating injuries or death,” said Anant Maheshwari, president, Honeywell India. “Safe Kids at Home will fill a major child-safety need by providing easy-to-use tools for teachers and parents. Honeywell is proud to partner with Safe Kids Foundation India to create a programme that builds a safe environment for our children.”
