One of a parent’s highest priorities is to protect their children. One way to do this is by teaching them about safety around electricity in your own home.
Safe Electricity recommends that parents start teaching kids at an early age about electrical safety. Important lessons include:
- Water and electricity do not mix.
Children should never play with or use electronics around water. Make sure GFCIs are installed anywhere electricity and water could meet to help prevent shocks. GFCIs detect and prevent dangerous situations where an electric shock could occur.
- The only objects that go into outlets are electric plugs.
Sticking other items in an electric socket can lead to an electric shock or death. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association estimates that a yearly average of 2,400 children suffer severe shock from electrical outlets and that six to 12 of these shocks are fatal. As a parent, you can help prevent this by having tamper resistant outlets (TROs) installed. A TRO has a shutter system that only accepts electric plugs. Another option is to use simple outlet plugs, however these can be easily removed.
- Similarly, never stick fingers or objects into toasters or any other electrical appliance.
- Electric cords should be left alone.
A curious child may put a cord into his or her mouth and could potentially suffer an electric burn. Additionally, kids should be taught to never pull a plug out of the socket by the cord. This could damage the cord. It is a good idea to leave cords out of sight so children are not tempted to play with them.
- Electronics and their accessories have to be handled with care.
Encourage younger children to ask for help when they want to use an electronic device.
- Know how to call for help in an emergency.
It’s a good idea to include utility emergency numbers with other posted emergency phone numbers and instruct children how to call for help in an emergency.
For more information on keeping your children safe around electricity, visit SafeElectricity.org.
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