Whether you have children, are expecting children, or have children come over to your home, keep children safe with these safety tips for kids. Most of us use electricity every day. It’s important to teach children about electrical safety rules so they can stay safe. Follow these electrical safety tips to keep your home safe.
Secure Unused Wall Outlets
Homes built after 2008 must have tamper-resistant outlets. Equal pressure needs to be applied to insert into the outlet reducing the risk that a fork or finger can accidentally access the outlet. The Electrical Safety Foundation International provides an infographic showing that according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there is an average of 2,850 children injured by electrical receptacles each year. Hairpins/bobby pins and fingers are most commonly inserted into electrical outlets.
Keep Electrical Devices out of Reach
Put electrical devices, like laptops or televisions, out of reach. This can prevent accidents.
Keep Electrical Cords out of Reach
Children can chew and choke on electrical cords. They also pose a tripping hazard. It’s best to keep them stored away from curious kids.
If cords are frayed or show exposed wiring, replace them immediately as they can be a shock and fire hazard. Outdated electrical cords and extension cords are a common cause of home fires.
Pools, Water and Electrical Safety
Stay out of pools during thunderstorms as lightning can travel horizontally over water. This can be extremely dangerous.
Keep electrical appliances away from water to avoid getting electrocuted. Water and electricity don’t mix and is an electrical hazard. Teach kids that water conducts electricity and the dangers when that happens.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 47 shock-related incidents, involving injuries or fatalities, from 2010-2018.
Keep Electronics out of Reach
Until children are old enough to understand how to use them, keep appliances like hairdryers, tablets, blenders, away from curious little ones. Keep electronics away from the tub when giving children a bath.
Fire Extinguisher for Electrical Fires
Make sure you have and use the correct fire extinguisher for electrical fires. Throwing water on an electrical fire can get you shocked or electrocuted, or could spread the fire.
Teach Kids to Stay Safe Around Electricity:
- Not to put fingers or objects into wall outlets.
- Don’t yank electrical cords out of the wall, use the plug to pull out the cord.
- Keep electrical items away from water and keep water away from electrical items.
- Stay away from power lines/electric lines or power boxes/electrical substations – point these out to kids when out for a walk so they know what to look for. Don’t fly kites or drones near a power line. Stay away from electrical fences.
- Never leave anything plugged in and charging while you sleep.
Dangers of Electricity
Electricity can cause shocks, burns, and even death. About 1,000 people die each year in the United States from electrocution according to eMedicineHealth. Symptoms of electric shock can include burns, bodily harm if thrown, or even cardiac arrest.
Alarms
It’s also a good idea to have fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed on each level of the home.
Schedule an Electrical Safety Inspection
Once a year, schedule an electrical safety inspection and one of our qualified, licensed electricians will assess the interior and exterior of your home for any electrical issues. With our Safeguard and Saving Plan membership you receive an annual, whole-house safety inspection at no additional charge.
We can also help with installing tamper-resistant plugs and alarms, grounding and bonding electricity near pools and hot tubs, and any other electrical projects to keep your family safe.
