Childproofing your home is one of the most important steps you can take to make your home a safe space for your little ones, and give yourself the peace of mind knowing that you’ve significantly reduced the chance of them getting hurt. Electrical safety, in particular, is not a ‘nice to have’, but an essential, as electrical hazards pose serious risks to curious children. So we created this comprehensive article to help. Use it as your very own checklist to keep your little ones safe while your home runs smoothly.
1. Cover switches and plugs
Standard electrical outlets can be a major attraction for curious children who may try to stick objects or their fingers into them. Begin your DIY home electrical safety project by purchasing plastic outlet covers (available at most home stores) to block your unused outlets. If you can, opt for sliding covers, which close automatically, rather than simple plug-in covers that can be pulled out by determined little fingers.
Tamper-resistant receptacles are another great way to keep your plugs safe. These outlets have built-in safety shutters that only open when a plug is inserted correctly. Upgrading to TRR outlets is one of the best ways to ace your home electrical safety project and reduce the risk of anyone getting hurt.
If your child is able to reach light switches, you could use child-resistant covers that prevent access to the switches you want to keep off. This is especially useful for switches controlling essential appliances and things like heating systems which could pose serious risk.
2. Keep cords and power strips out of reach
Kids are often tempted to unplug cords and play with power strips out of curiosity. To avoid this, choose child proof power strips with covers to prevent them from being able to access the plug holes. We often only think about the direct dangers of electricity in our homes. But loose cords are not only a tripping hazard but also a pulling hazard as well, which could lead to serious injury. Use cord organisers to keep your cords bundled and out of reach, tuck the cords behind your appliances, and avoid positioning any cords across walkways or near play areas where they would become hazards.
3. Residual current devices
Residual Current Devices (RCDs) add an extra layer of safety by quickly shutting off power when they detect a fault. These nifty devices protect against electric shocks by monitoring the flow of electricity and cutting off power within milliseconds if any leakage is detected, preventing anyone from getting injured.
4. Educate your children about electrical safety
Even young children can begin to learn simple safety tips, like avoiding wet hands when touching appliances they’re allowed to interact with, not unplugging things, and not playing with switches. Children learn by observing, so showing them safe practices by handling cords and outlets with care and always unplugging devices safely will set a good example for them to follow.
5. Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections
Once you’ve done everything you can, leaving it to a professional will ensure that your home is as safe as it can be. With a professional’s expertise, you can ensure that wiring, outlets, and appliances are all installed and maintained correctly, reducing risks of shocks or fires. You should also schedule routine inspections and upgrades through an electrician, which will not only improve the durability of your home’s electrical systems but also provide you with peace of mind knowing your children can safely explore their environment without any risk.
Safety starts today
There’s nothing more important than keeping your little ones safe. Home electrical safety requires attention to detail, but it’s well worth the effort. By following this checklist, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical hazards in your home. Remember to add to this list as your children get older and their abilities develop, to ensure that they are always kept safe.
As leaders in home electrical safety, installations, repairs, and maintenance, we’ve ensured countless families have peace of mind knowing that they’ve done everything they can to make their homes safer environments for their little ones. So get in touch with us today, and let’s make your home safer.
