Electricity comes with many potential dangers, especially when it comes to your home and your children. It’s important to be educated on these dangers to take the necessary precautions and also to be able to explain these to your kids. In this article, our domestic electrician has put together his electrical tips to keep your home kid safe.
Cover all power point outlets
One of the easiest preventative measures you can take is to cover all of your power point outlets with safety caps. These plastic caps can be picked up from stores like Bunnings Warehouse and Big W. Once the caps are in the power point they are flat, making it hard for children to pull them out. This will prevent your kids sticking objects or their fingers into the outlet.
Be mindful not to overload power boards
Not only can overloaded power boards damage your appliances, they can also be very dangerous, causing electric shock and even fire. Avoid plugging appliances with high wattages (like heaters, kettles and televisions) into power boards. Make sure you also do not use double adapters in these. It is best to plug these appliances and adapters directly into your outlets. If you find you do not have adequate outlets, contact your local electrician and have them install more.
When it comes to your kids, make sure you have explained these practices to them. Younger kids might also find it fun to play with the plug, pulling them out of the socket. This can cause electric shock. Explain the dangers to them and also show them how to distribute their devices and appliances throughout the home.
Keep electrical cords tidy and out of the way
Electrical cords can be a tripping hazard so it is always best to keep these out of the way for the safety of your kids and yourself. Cords can be hidden behind furniture but remember to never hide them underneath items such as rugs as this can cause the cords to overheat and start a fire. Consider using ties and clips to neatly keep them together instead.
Replace worn out cords
When your cords get worn out, or damaged, the wires may become exposed. These wires transfer the power and should never be seen. Worn out cords and exposed wires can start a fire, so it is important these are replaced immediately.
Always keep water away from electricity
Electricity and water do not mix. This is an incredibly important lesson to teach your kids to keep them safe in the home. Ensure you keep water away from all appliances, especially if these appliances are plugged in. Remind your kids to never touch electrical cords or outlets with wet hands. It is also best to keep cups of water away from appliances and where possible, use a water bottle with a lid.
Have safety switches installed
In simple terms, a safety switch will quickly cut off the power to avoid electrocution when the amount of electricity going into the cable doesn’t equal the amount of electricity coming out. All new homes will be built with safety switches in line with current electrical safety standards. However, if you have an older home you will need to get these installed by a residential electrician.
Teach your kids electrical safety
It is best to teach your kids electrical safety as early as possible. Some tips to teach your kids are:
- Never put objects or fingers into an outlet
- Never touch electrical cords or outlets with wet hands
- Don’t force a plug to fit into an outlet
- Turn the switch off before pulling out a plug
- Always hold onto the plug when pulling out a cord
- If a cord looks damaged, don’t touch it. Tell parents straight away
Hire an electrician for a safety check and keep your home kid safe!
Regular electrical maintenance and servicing is imperative to making sure your home’s electrical wiring is safe. For added peace of mind, or to book your electrical maintenance, give the friendly team at Matt Young Electrical Services a call on 0431 086 223. You can also get in touch with us via our contact page.
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