Even a brief step outside can turn into a full-blown emergency: the lock clicks shut, and a small child is left inside the apartment. When should you call in the rescuers, and what should you do while waiting for the emergency services? infohub.kz reports.

An accidental lockout becomes a serious threat when a young child is trapped inside. The risks multiply many times over when the child is too young to open the lock, has no way to call for help, or is in the same room as running household appliances and other potential hazards.

Officials from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan stress that the first step is a sober assessment of the situation. If the child cannot get out without help, or if there is a direct threat to their health and life, adults must immediately dial 112.

When speaking to the duty dispatcher, give the address as precisely as possible: the house, entrance, floor and apartment numbers. Also state the child's age and briefly explain what happened. It is essential to say whether any electrical appliances are running, whether the gas stove burners are lit, and whether any other risk factors are present. Any information about the child feeling unwell or being in immediate danger must be passed on to the operator.

After calling for help, adults should stay calm and follow the operator's instructions strictly. Under no circumstances should they try to break the door down themselves, use improvised tools or force the door open. Such do-it-yourself attempts can cause injuries and damage the door frame and lock, which will only make the rescuers' job harder when they arrive.

Such incidents can be prevented by organizing a safe home in advance. Parents of young children should not leave them unsupervised indoors, even for the shortest time.

It is also critical to keep track of where the keys are, give duplicates to other adult relatives so they can get into the apartment without difficulty, and keep children away from running electrical equipment and dangerous household items.

Older children should be taught in advance how to behave in unexpected situations and how to seek help from others.