In previous years, the causes of death included suspected suicide, poisoning, swallowing foreign objects, falls and other mishaps.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHScene of car accident in Jerusalem, April 15 , 2015(photo credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
A total of 571 babies, children and teenagers have died at home, at school, on the roads and in their neighborhoods since 2011, according to the latest figures from Beterem – The Israel Center for Child Safety and Health.Last year alone, 106 youngsters died in accidents, four of them in schools – two from choking, one from a fall and the fourth from an unknown cause.In previous years, the causes of death included suspected suicide, poisoning, swallowing foreign objects, falls and other mishaps.Beterem urges that kindergartens have smoke alarms, fire extinguishers in visible locations, shock-absorbing surfaces on playgrounds, kitchens made inaccessible to children, bathrooms with limited hot water and cleaning products kept out of children’s reach. It also recommends mechanisms to prevent doors from slamming on children’s fingers, and lockable gates that children cannot open.Outdoor play equipment must be clean, safe and well maintained. Inside the kindergarten, the steps should have non-slippery surfaces. Windows must prevent the possibility of falling. Electrical appliances and wiring must be safe and checked by a licensed electrician.