Electricity is a powerful force that everyone uses daily at home, powering our homes and making lives much more comfortable. However, as much as you rely on electricity, it can also be dangerous, especially for families with small children.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical fires are responsible for approximately 46,000 fires each year, causing about 390 civilian deaths and approximately 1,300 injuries. These statistics alone should be enough to make parents concerned about the electrical safety of their homes, especially those with small children.

Fortunately, there are several easy and effective ways to keep your home protected and safe from electrical hazards. By following these electrical safety tips, you can achieve peace of mind by ensuring that your home and your children are safe from electrical hazards and accidents.

1. Hire A Professional Electrician

Electrical work can be dangerous and potentially deadly if not handled properly, so never attempt to fix electrical problems alone.

If you have any electrical problems in your home, call a professional electrician right away so they can fix the problem. Don’t wait for the electrical issue to worsen, as it could put you and your family at risk. The Local Electrician service or other electrical repair companies in your locality to help with your electrical issues. Professional electricians are trained to identify and correct any electrical problems in your home safely and efficiently, so you can rest assured that your home is in good hands.

In addition to hiring a professional for electrical repairs, it’s important to schedule regular electrical safety checks. Doing this can eliminate any potential electrical hazards before they become a serious issues.

2. Cover All Electrical Outlets And Keep Them Covered When Unused

One easy way to keep your children safe from electrical hazards is to cover all electrical outlets. Children are naturally curious and may stick their fingers or other objects into these outlets, which can lead to electrocution. To prevent this, use outlet covers or safety plugs to cover all unused outlets in your home. These are inexpensive and can be easily found at any hardware store.

3. Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GCFI) Outlets

GFCI outlets are invented to protect against electrical shocks. These outlets feature a built-in circuit breaker that will trip if there’s a fault in the electrical system. They are specifically designed to prevent electrocution and are an essential safety feature in any modern home. It’s recommended to install GFCI outlets in areas where water is commonly present, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Doing this ensures the safety of your home and family.

4. Always Keep Electrical Cords Out of Reach

Children can be curious and may be tempted to play with electrical cords, which can lead to serious accidents such as electrocution or strangulation. To prevent such accidents, it’s important to keep electrical cords out of reach of children. This can be done by tucking them away or using cord clips to secure them to walls or furniture. Furthermore, make sure that cords aren’t hanging over counters or other surfaces where children can easily grab them.

5. Invest In Child-Proof Appliances

Many appliances around the house, such as hair dryers, curling irons, and space heaters, can pose a serious threat to children if not used properly. Therefore, it’s important to choose appliances that are child-proof. These appliances are equipped with safety features, such as automatic shut-off switches or safety guards, that prevent children from coming into contact with hot surfaces.

6. Use Surge Protectors

Surge protectors are designed to protect your electrical appliances from voltage spikes and surges that occur during thunderstorms, power outages, or when large appliances turn on and off. Using surge protectors can protect your appliances and devices from damage and prevent electrical fires.

It’s recommended to hire a professional electrician to install surge protectors throughout your entire house to ensure the utmost safety and protection.

7. Never Overload Electrical Outlets

Overloading electrical outlets can cause them to overheat and potentially start a fire. Ensure you don’t plug too many appliances into a single outlet or use extension cords to plug in multiple appliances.

If you need to use multiple appliances in the same area, consider using a power strip or surge protector to distribute the load.

8. Keep Flammable Materials Away From Electrical Appliances

To prevent fires, keep flammable materials, such as curtains, towels, and paper, away from electrical appliances. These materials can easily catch fire if they come into contact with a hot surface or electrical spark.

Moreover, keep these materials at least three feet away from any electrical appliance to prevent fires.

9. Educate Your Children About Electrical Safety

Teaching your children about electrical safety is among the best ways to keep them safe. Ensure they know how to safely use electrical appliances and understand the dangers of electrical shocks. Explain to them why they shouldn’t touch electrical outlets or cords and what to do if they see a frayed cord or other electrical hazards.

The Bottom Line

Electrical safety is crucial for families with small children. Follow and practice these tips to protect your children from electrical hazards in your home. These precautions will prevent electrical fires, electrocution, and other electrical hazards that can harm your family. Remember, safety always comes first.