Electrical Safety for Parents
Electrical outlets are tempting for kids as they go around discovering the house.
Kids are curious and love to explore things around the house. While curiosity is good, parents with young children should stay alert and more observant to ensure safety around electricity. Electrical safety should be the top priority of every parent, considering the dangerous repercussions and the fact that every year, over two thousand children receive treatment for electricity-related injuries.
Various electrical hazards are present in the house that can cause children to suffer injuries ranging from burns to electrocution. Parents are responsible for creating a safe environment for their kids. Here are some electrical best practices for parents to ensure their child’s safety:
Cover the outlets
Electrical outlets are tempting for kids as they go around discovering the house. A vital step towards electrical safety is to install tamper-resistant receptacles or consider safety covers for the outlets to prevent electrical accidents. Covering every outlet around the home will prevent kids from accessing or sticking their fingers into them.
Manage the electrical cords
Electrical cords pose a choking risk, result in tripping accidents, or cause children to grab and pull the cord. Use extension cords only when necessary and inspect them regularly for damage. Always keep electrical cords out of children’s reach and use cord protectors.
Be wary of bathroom hazards
Water and electricity never mix well, making bathrooms dangerous for kids. Install GFCI outlets in the bathroom and cover all receptacles. Also, do not charge phones in bathrooms; never leave children around appliances like hair dryers or electric razors.
Secure all electrical appliances
Appliances are a significant part of daily life but pose high-risk hazards to kids. While keeping all appliances out of children’s reach is challenging, parents should ensure they are stable so kids cannot pull or push them. Store non-critical appliances safely and ensure regularly used appliances do not have frayed or exposed wires.
Look for electrical hazards
The parents should keep an eye out for various electrical hazards around the home. Look for signs of electrical problems like frayed or damaged cords, buzzing sockets, flickering lights, sparks or burning smells from sockets, and frequently tripping circuit breakers. Please heed the signs and immediately call an electrician to fix the electrical issues and prevent significant risks.
Educate the kids
When the child is a little older, educate them about the safe use of electricity and its dangers. Teach them vital safety tips like:
Drying their hands before touching electric objects
Switching the power off before unplugging an appliance
How to insert a plug safely
Staying away from power lines
Avoiding playing near substations
Never pull an electrical cord
Never use damaged cords or outlets, and inform an adult straight away
Enlist the help of a licensed electrician
Parents can make the home safer for their children by keeping them well-informed, implementing safety measures, and seeking professional assistance. An electrician plays a crucial role in childproofing the home. It is best to schedule regular electrical inspections to find and fix any hazards around the home. An experienced electrician can also suggest additional precautions to ensure electrical safety for family members of all ages.
