The power in our homes is not something to be taken for granted; it can be deadly if we are not careful when working with it. Children should always be supervised when around electrical outlets, cords, and appliances that plug into the wall. Here’s are some safety tips that parents can teach their children.
Demonstrate How to Use an Electrical Outlet Safely
Children need to use an electrical outlet safely. Show kids how to plug in cords properly and how to unplug them when the children are finished using them. Remind young people that they should never stick anything into the outlet, which can be very dangerous.
Show How to Check for Electric Shock Hazards
Some of the most common electrical hazards are chewed-on cords, damaged wires, and water-logged outlets. Teach your children how to inspect cords for damage and how to check outlets for signs of water damage.
Remind them never to touch an appliance if it is wet. If they see a damp or sparking cord, they should not touch it. They should shut off the machine and leave the room to find an adult. Explain that if they can’t unplug appliances, then it is safest to cut them off at the source by using a circuit breaker or fuse box.
Teach Them How to Be Safe Around Appliances That Emit Heat
Some appliances, such as curling irons and frying pans, emit heat. Please remind your children not to point them at people or pets. Tell them never to leave a hot appliance unattended. They should also keep the heat setting low when possible and turn off heat-emitting devices before leaving a room.
Demonstrate How to Use Extension Cords Safely
Extension cords give children more opportunities to set up their toys and games, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Teach your children to never run over an extension cord with a toy. They should also be sure to unplug the cord from the outlet when not using it.
Tell them that extension cords should not be nailed to walls, baseboards, or other surfaces. They should never place cords in the way of high-traffic areas like doorways and walkways. Remind them that extension cords are intended for temporary use only. If they need to use an extension cord for a long time, tell them to choose the shortest cord available.
Explain What to Do in Case of an Electrical Hazard
If your child sees a hazard in their home, they should know what to do. Teach them to unplug the appliance or cord first and then leave the room. If it is an emergency, they should call 911. In case of an electrical hazard, they should never fix it themselves but should seek adult assistance.
Give Examples of Safe Outlets
It can be helpful to give your children some examples of safe outlets. Show them how to plug a lamp or other appliance into an outlet that does not have any exposed wires. If there is a cover on the outlet, they should be sure to remove it before plugging in the cord.
If you are uncomfortable with your child using an electrical outlet, there are a few things you can do to make it safer. You can purchase outlet covers that will fit over the outlet and protect the child from coming into contact with any wiring. You can also install tamper-resistant outlets designed to be more child-safe. These outlets have a flap covering the electrical contacts when the plug is not in use. This prevents children from sticking objects into the outlet and getting shocked.
Teach Them Not to Touch Anything With Damaged Cords
It is essential to teach children about electricity. Remind your children that if they have a cord, appliance, or outlet plugged in, and the wires are exposed, they should never touch it. They should leave the room immediately and tell an adult.
If your child sees a damaged cord or appliance, you may want to demonstrate what it looks like. Give them a fake appliance, and mark the cords with tape or markers so that they can see the damage. You can also show them pictures of damaged objects and explain that this happens when people do not unplug appliances and put covers on outlets.
Tell Them to Always Look Before They Touch
The other rule you should teach your child about electricity is always to look before touching. Appliances and cords are hot when they are plugged in. Teach your child that even though something may not be plugged in, it could become hot if they leave it on for a long time.
Teach Your Child About Power Strips
Power strips can provide extra outlets without taking up a lot of space. They are great ways to plug in multiple appliances without using various cords. Teach your child that they should never overload a power strip. The maximum number of devices plugged into a power strip is usually listed on the label.
If too much weight or heat on a power strip, it can overheat. This can cause a fire or an electrical shock. Teach your child to unplug the strip when not in use and to never cover it up with anything.
Show Them How to Use a Flashlight or Light Switch
If your child does need to inspect an outlet, they may need a flashlight. Be sure that your children know how to use this tool correctly. Teach them to hold the flashlight with two hands to stay steady and to shine it on the object only when they are ready to look at it closely.
Ensure they understand that they should never look at the light bulb while it is on. This can cause permanent damage to their eyes.
If there is a power outage, be sure to teach your children how to find a flashlight and how to use it safely. They should also know how to turn on a light switch in the dark. You may want to practice this event with them a few times.
Explain the Importance of Not Touching any Metal Parts of Appliances
If an appliance falls into water, the metal parts will become electrified. This can cause a shock or even death. Teach your children that they should never touch any metal parts of an appliance if it has fallen into the water. They should call an adult. Let them know that it is not safe to do this independently.
Teach Them to Stay Away From Electrical Transformers
Electrical transformers are often found on the outside of buildings. They convert high-voltage electricity to low-voltage electricity. Transformers can be dangerous if a person comes in contact with them. Teach your child to stay away from transformers and to never touch them, even if they think they are unplugged.
If there is an electrical fire, teach your child not to use water to put it out. This can cause the fire to spread. Teach them to pull the fire alarm and to call 911 if they are old enough to do so. If you experience an electrical fire and you need wiring or replacements in Georgia or South Carolina, be sure to reach out to Arc Angel Electric for outstanding services.
Teaching children about electricity at a young age can help them avoid many electrical accidents. Remind your children of the dangers and explain how to stay safe. But, if you still experience electricity problems and need services from a certified electrical company, reach out to Arc Angel Electric. We offer all electrical services from electrical repairing, lighting, and inspections. If you live around Georgia or South Carolina, do not hesitate to reach out to Arc Angel Electric for any electrical services.
