At the same time, some countries have risks not widely shared by others. Death rates from burns are 11 times as high in developing countries as in industrialised ones. European and American boys and girls have virtually equal rates of death from fire. In South Asia and South-East Asia, however, girls’ mortality is three times more.

The explanation, at least in part, is the confluence of three hazards — girls assist in family cooking at an early age; the heat source is often an open flame on the ground; and female attire is long and flowing.

Tips from TIPP

The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP) of the American Academy of Paediatrics offers a set of age-specific “safety sheets”:

•Up to 6 months: Make certain that your baby’s car safety seat is installed correctly

•6 to 12 months: Use gates on stairways and doors. Install operable window guards on all windows above the first floor. If your child has a serious fall or does not act normally after a fall, call your doctor

•1 to 2 years: Children in homes where guns are present are in the danger of being shot. Ask if the homes where your child visits have guns and how they are stored

•2 to 4 years: Find non-toxic substances to use at home

•5 years: Bike, street, fire, car, firearm and water safety are key. Even if your children know swimming, never let them swim alone

•6 years: Teach your children to never cross the street when not accompanied by a grown-up. Make sure they wear a helmet when they ride a bike

... contd.