Electrical safety for kids is one of the unavoidable safety measures parents should ensure when their little one begins to move. There is nothing compared to the happiness of seeing your baby taking little steps or crawling around the house. Unfortunately, cute little explorers are unaware of dangers, and they tempt them to pull or mouth everything on their reach.
It is obvious that children will be curious and may not know the dangers of electricity. Teaching them the basics of electricity and electrical hazards can keep them safe from shock. Firstly, even before you caution them with tips, you should make them understand the basics.
1. Electricity can cause shocks, burns and even lead to mortality.
2. Power cords and appliances are as dangerous as electrical power lines.
3. Electricity can pass through water, and likewise, it can quickly pass through your body since your body contains 70% water.
4.Electricity tries to get into the easiest path towards the ground.
All children irrespective of their age should be aware of the risks associated with electricity. You should give your little one a little info about what they should avoid.
1. Make sure all the electrical wires and cords are away from the gas or any other source of heat.
2. Avoid having any appliance switched on and then leaving it as it is in the presence of your kid.
3. Make sure you unplug the appliance before cleaning it.
4. Keep small objects out of reach- children tend to plug them into the sockets.
5. Cover open sockets that are within a kid’s reach. Most kids tend to stick fingers into the outlet, which may be risky.
6. Remove unused wall outlets.Apply tape over unused plug holes or cord holders.
7. Store electrical appliances and gadgets out of reach of children.
8. Never keep any appliance near a bathtub, sink or any other water source.
1. Do not allow your little one to go near the vicinity of power lines.
2. Ensure your kids are not climbing any trees which may be close to power lines as these lines conduct electricity through the branches.
3. Strings of flying kites or helium filled balloons can act as conductors of electricity.
4. Watch out for your kids when they are playing with kites in a storm or anywhere around electric cables.
5. Watch out for fences which may pass electricity.
6. Always encourage your children to play out in the open area where there are no power linesIf you are working with electrical equipment in the garden like a lawn mower, always use a RCD (residual current device).
7. It is preferable that you supervise your kids when they play with a remote control or any other electrical devices.Keep your kids away from electrical substations and transformers.
8. Ensure they get dry when they come out of the pool.
9. Avoid usage of electrical appliances when close to swimming pools.
10. Make sure they are away from utility boxes as they have various electric connections inside.
11. Watch out for electrical lines that may be hanging low or may be cut
Apart from the above, here are some other tips to make sure your kid is safe in the home, even if you are not in the same room.
1. Don’t leave huge appliances like the washing machine, dishwasher, and the tumble dryer on while you are not using them.
2. Make it a point to turn off any electrical appliances when not in use.
3. Keep all the cords of different appliances out of reach of your kid.
4. Avoid keeping electronic items (such as a hair dryer or a mobile phone) plugged in and switched on while you are not in the same room- children tend to put these things in their mouth.
5. Socket blanking plugs tend to be effective, but don’t solely rely on them for your Childs safety purposesAvoid keeping drinks near electronic appliances like gaming consoles, computers, TV, stereos, and speakers.
6. Make sure your kid is dry thoroughly after a bath, before they start running around and touching everything in the room.
7. Avoid clogging of several electrical lines into one extension as an overload may be hazardous too.
Hope this helps,
Kind regards,
The CGH Electrical team
