Electrical Safety Tips for Kids

Children love to explore and are intrigued by everything, including dangerous spaces like electrical outlets. They might want to stick their fingers into the outlet or find other ways to reach electric areas around the house. It’s up to us to teach them the fundamentals of electricity and how it can cause you harm, such as electrical shocks. Understanding electrical safety can save a life, so start by teaching the ones that are most vulnerable.

A Childproof Home

Adding extra components to your outlets or devices is an easy way to keep your kids safe. Here are some electrical components that could be added to have a childproof home for electrical safety.

• Plastic Inserts – Plastic additions are a successful method for encasing outlets. They can keep kids from putting their hands close to the power source or sticking items into outlets. While you should prepare your kids to be careful about outlets, a plastic supplement adds a layer of security. Household items like chairs can also be used for concealing outlets that you won't utilize.
• Secure Electrical Cords – It is possible to expose the metal inside of electrical cords, which may carry an electrical charge, by constantly pulling or prying at them. Tape can be used to attach your cords to the wall to stop your child from pulling on them. Have a qualified electrician perform electrical inspection on your wires to ensure they’re safe.
• Hide Electrical Devices – Keep appliances that can cause electrical shock out of reach from children. Just like how cleaning products are stored and kept away in cabinets, do the same for electrical devices like hairdryers.

Tips for Safety

• Teach by Demonstration – The best way to go about teaching kids electricity is to demonstrate what it is. They will tend to fear it more and stay away if they see its effects firsthand. Parents can go to museums that display electricity or make kids watch helpful videos on the internet. Having a visual understanding of electricity will help kids better process the importance of electrical safety.
• Water and Electricity – Children should be taught that electricity and water are not compatible and should never be combined. When the kids are still young, teach them not to touch or use any electrical devices with wet hands. Moreover, they should avoid using electrical appliances in wet areas like bathtubs and sinks. They should unplug these devices from the sockets before cleaning them. Having an electrical inspection on your devices occasionally is also helpful to make sure they are safe to use.
• Power Lines – Inform children about the risks associated with playing with power lines. They should not remove anything that clings to power lines or becomes entangled there; instead, tell them to call an adult, such as a parent. They should be warned not to throw objects at the lines or even touch them with their bodies. Never allow them to fly remote-controlled toys like helicopters, or other models near power lines. Direct them to an open field instead.

There are many other things to keep cautious about when it comes to electricity and children. The most important thing to do is to educate them. Train them on how they should act in everyday situations as well as emergencies. Let them know how a certified electrician can help with electrical problems. If you’re looking for a family friendly electrical company, HomeOps Electric is the one for you. While you educate your kids on electrical safety, we’ll be here to help with any electrical issues you may have.