Electricity is dangerous enough as it is, but having a young child running about pushes the danger level to 10. Little hands and curious minds have a tendency to end up in shocking situations, and as parents and guardians, it is your responsibility to child-proof your electrical systems. From investing in outlet covers to putting away unattended appliances to everything else in between, this article explains all the things you can do to keep your young ones from being shocked and electrocuted.
Electrical Tips For Growing Kids: How To Keep Your Children Safe At Home
It isn’t enough to keep the kids inside. Even a seemingly harmless cable can become a choking hazard for active toddlers and ignorant infants. Here are a few things you can do to keep your children safe from electrical situations throughout your home.
Keep on reading to find out!
RCD Installation Recommendations
One of the first things you can do to keep your kids from getting electrocuted is to invest in residual current devices or RCDs throughout your home. ✅ These are lifesaving electrical safety tools, detecting minute fluctuations in the flow of current and shutting it off in about 0.3 seconds. If you’ve got little kids who like to explore, this is a must-have at your home!
Putting Away Unattended Appliances
A sure-fire way to invite trouble in is to leave appliances like toasters, coffee machines, and blenders connected and in plain sight. ✅ Toddlers can find creative ways to pull themselves up onto kitchen counters to try to turn on the appliances. Always disconnect them and store them in cabinets or on high shelves to keep your child safe from injury.
Secure Loose Cables
Speaking of connections, if you have extension cords or lamps and other devices with long cables throughout your home, consider putting them away when they’re not in use or you’re not in the room. Use cord shorteners, winders, and clips to keep them out of sight of curious minds. ✅ This will also keep them from pulling on cords, resulting in choking instances and falling appliances that could injure your kids.
Did You Know?
According to ESFI, about 24,000 children are annually treated for injuries caused by inserting things into electrical outlets.
Upgrading To Tamper-Resistant Outlets
Speaking of outlets and foreign objects, consider investing in TR outlets to thwart young children. ✅ These outlets have built-in shutters that don’t let in little fingers and toys. If your child can’t insert anything, they won’t get shocked or electrocuted.
Securing Outlets With Covers & Plates
If that option is too expensive, another solid idea is to protect the outlets you already have. Installing outlet plates or covers can create a barrier that small children can’t overcome. ✅ While you’ll easily be able to remove the covers and plug in your charger or hair dryer, your kids won’t be able to uncover the sockets.
GFCI Outlets In Bathrooms & Kitchens
Sticking to the outlet route, another smart idea to keep your children—and the rest of the household—safe is to always have ground fault circuit interrupters in areas where electricity and water can come into contact. ✅ This way, if your child reaches toward an outlet while taking a bath or is curious about an outdoor outlet near the pool, they won’t receive any shocks.
Video Doorbells & Security Cameras
Involving modern monitoring devices to keep an eye on your children is also a great idea—especially if you find yourself working or going out often for errands. Set up CCTV systems near pools, sheds, and other potentially dangerous areas to prevent any accidents or mishaps.
Talk To Growing Children
When your kids get older, give them age-appropriate instructions. ✅ Tell them it’s not a good idea to pull on cords or touch outlets with wet hands. This will help them gain a better understanding of the dangers of electrical systems, keeping them safe and you relaxed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having kids is a huge responsibility, and unsafe electrical systems are one of the most common causes of injuries in infants and toddlers. ✅ Invest in GFCI outlets, responsibly use appliances, and keep an eye on your children as much as possible to ensure that they don’t find themselves in any electrical emergencies.
FAQs
How often should I schedule an electrical inspection?
Schedule a professional electrical inspection at least once every 3–5 years. ✅
What else can I do to keep my kids from getting electrocuted?
Teach them to recognize frayed cords and inform adults when they see one.
Is it safe to let my kids unplug devices?
Generally, you should avoid that with smaller children. ✅ But if they’re big enough, just teach them not to pull at the cord when unplugging appliances.
