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10 Ways to Prevent Electrical Hazards With Toddlers

Curiosity is a normal aspect of learning in the early years of a child’s life. When it comes to electricity, though, it can be dangerous. Electrical safety norms should be taught to youngsters to keep them safe. While they are small, we must take measures to keep them safe from electrical risks while still allowing them to enjoy and be creative.

Since humans are good conductors of electricity, electricity flows freely through our bodies. This is because water makes up about 70% of our bodies, and electricity is known to flow swiftly via water. Whenever we come in contact with an open socket or uninsulated wire, the circuit gets completed, and electricity flows through our body. This results in a shock. Toddlers are prone to touching such things. Therefore, it is important to make your home safe.

Electrical Hazards Involved With Children

Having a basic knowledge of electrical hazards involved in leaving children in an electrically unsafe environment is necessary.

This makes you take things more seriously.

Following are some electrical hazards:

  • Electricity has the potential to produce serious burns and deadly shocks.
  • The body’s muscles tense, causing choking and making it difficult for the toddler to breathe.
  • It disrupts the heartbeat, which constricts the blood vessels.
  • If electricity is not handled appropriately, it can cause severe inside damage several hours after the shock has occurred.

 

Teddy bear and childproof outlet

Prevent Electrical Hazards With Toddlers

1. Unplug the Appliances

Turn off and unplug all of your home appliances before going to bed. Ensure that there are no live wires within reach of your toddler in case he wakes up in the middle of the night and decides to play. Keep extension cords and cables out of their reach.

2. Consider Electrical Outlet Caps

Using a packet of electrical outlet caps is the cheapest approach to keep your youngster from poking objects and his fingers into wall outlets. These outlet covers are constructed of plastic and may be plugged into any standard socket. Since plastic is an insulator, it prevents the flow of electricity.

Also, the cap’s exposed region is completely flat, so it’s difficult for a toddler to grab it. The safer your youngster is if he can’t put anything into outlets.

3. Install GFCIs

In rooms with a water source, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are required. Check with your electrician about installing a couple of these in your home to safeguard everyone, especially your child, from electrical shock. When these devices detect current escaping from the circuit to the ground, they immediately turn off the power.

For buying such protective equipment online, select reputed manufacturers. 

4. Do Not Use Extension Cords

Avoid using extension cords and power strips in your child’s room as much as possible. Toddlers have a tendency to chew things. Chewing electrical wires or extension cords can damage their insulation. This can expose the children to current and increase chances of electrical shock. Furthermore, children can also play with cords and wires or knock over plugged-in gadgets.

5. Use Gadgets With Short Wires/Cords

In households, appliances are usually connected using long wires even when the socket is nearby. The extra cord can wrap around your child’s foot, causing them to trip or dropping the lamp down on them. The best option is to get a cord shortener. It’s more aesthetically pleasing than a coiled cable, and it’s considerably safer when you have children around.

6. Have Regular Electrical Maintenance

Take care of any dangling or damaged wires in easily accessible places of your home. Have a certified electrician inspect your home’s electrical system at least once a year. Have your unsecured wires replaced and loose cords fastened to the walls to avoid electrical shock and mishaps.

7. Replace Faulty Appliances and Gadgets

Have your appliances checked by an electrician as soon as possible if they are hot or tingling to touch. Children can get their hands on these appliances and may injure themselves. A good electrician will be able to spot the issue and correct it before anything more serious occurs.

8. Cover the Extension Sockets

If extensions are common in your household, you must cover their sockets to ensure safety. Power strips are convenient and cost-effective because they can power numerous appliances at the same time. The disadvantage is that they sit on the ground, which may appear to a child as something to play with.

In this case, shortening the wires and covering the sockets can reduce the danger of electrical hazards

9. Use Night Lamps

For your child’s safety, use a nightlight to give illumination in the dark. These lamps are perfect for their bedroom and bathroom. In this way, they don’t trip over stuff when they need to go to the restroom in the middle of the night. These lights are available in a range of forms, including wall-mounted and table-mounted.

Always keep your kid’s safety in mind whenever you are redesigning your home.

10. Teach Them About Electrical Safety

Older children and pre-adolescents are aware of the dangers of playing with electrical lines and equipment. But explaining them to young children is necessary. You must teach your children that extension cables and power strips cannot be used to overload sockets.

They shouldn’t use the same outlet as heavy appliances like TV, computer, etc. Ensure that you communicate the same thing to them in their room. Make sure to double-check every night that everything in their room is turned off.

Conclusion

This article discussed various ways to safeguard your children from electrical risks. If you have children at home, frequent electrical system maintenance and repair will not only keep your entire family safe but will also allow you to enjoy the benefits of properly functioning electricity.

 


Resources:

https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residual-current_device
https://www.beny.com/

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