By Patti N. Laird is president ofSafer Kids And Homes, Inc.,
8843 S.W. 132nd Street, Miami, FL 33176.
For more information and free safety checklists, please stop by the store, call 305-854-KIDS or visit www.SaferKidsAndHomes.com.
Electricity is nothing to play around with! Electrical shocks can cause severe burns, brain damage, or death. Protecting your children from electrical shock is one of the first things you need to address when you begin to safety proof your home. Electricity is used everywhere in today’s homes from cell phone chargers to wipe warmers and stereos and it literally takes only a second for your child to be in danger.
A plugged-in lamp or appliance cord is very dangerous in the hands (or mouth) of a small child. If bitten, these cords can allow 120 volts of electricity to pass through your child. All electric cords should be placed out of your child’s reach and sight, if possible. Cords can be hidden and secured behind furniture or covered by various types of cord control devices. It is also very important to check the condition of any cords used, because a damaged or frayed cord is a fire hazard as well.
The primary way to protect little ones from exploring outlets with wet fingers, objects, and even their tongues is to cover the outlets. Traditionally, parents were advised to use small plastic outlet plugs. However, toddlers soon learn to remove these. The plastic device itself can in some cases become a choking hazard and the outlet is left unprotected. There are several safer and more effective devices to cover outlets.
Spring-loaded outlet covers that replace the existing covers are an ideal safety device. An electric plug is inserted into the cover’s slots and the cover will then slide over to match the outlet slots, so the plug can be easily inserted. Remove the plug and the cover automatically slides back into the safe position.
For outlets that have plugs "permanently" used, a cover box can be installed over the outlet and plugs. These covers are designed to be pinched open by an adult-sized hand.
For travel or other "temporary" needs there are one-piece plastic plugs that are designed to be safer if a child got one in his mouth as they are too big to choke on.
Bathroom, kitchen and other "wet" area outlets require the use of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. These are designed to stop the flow of electricity if a wet finger or a plugged-in appliance comes in contact with water. Even a turned-off appliance can electrify water if it comes in contact with it, so be sure to always un-plug and store appliances out of reach of small children.
Teach your children at an early age about electrical safety and why electricity is so dangerous. Show them by example how to treat electricity with respect and how to safely use electrical appliances. Also remember that adults can become victims of electrocution, too. Make sure you are well-informed about the hazards in your home, then take the necessary precautions so that your home is safe for the entire family.
A plugged-in lamp or appliance cord is very dangerous in the hands (or mouth) of a small child. If bitten, these cords can allow 120 volts of electricity to pass through your child. All electric cords should be placed out of your child’s reach and sight, if possible. Cords can be hidden and secured behind furniture or covered by various types of cord control devices. It is also very important to check the condition of any cords used, because a damaged or frayed cord is a fire hazard as well.
The primary way to protect little ones from exploring outlets with wet fingers, objects, and even their tongues is to cover the outlets. Traditionally, parents were advised to use small plastic outlet plugs. However, toddlers soon learn to remove these. The plastic device itself can in some cases become a choking hazard and the outlet is left unprotected. There are several safer and more effective devices to cover outlets.Spring-loaded outlet covers that replace the existing covers are an ideal safety device. An electric plug is inserted into the cover’s slots and the cover will then slide over to match the outlet slots, so the plug can be easily inserted. Remove the plug and the cover automatically slides back into the safe position.
For outlets that have plugs "permanently" used, a cover box can be installed over the outlet and plugs. These covers are designed to be pinched open by an adult-sized hand.
For travel or other "temporary" needs there are one-piece plastic plugs that are designed to be safer if a child got one in his mouth as they are too big to choke on.
Bathroom, kitchen and other "wet" area outlets require the use of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. These are designed to stop the flow of electricity if a wet finger or a plugged-in appliance comes in contact with water. Even a turned-off appliance can electrify water if it comes in contact with it, so be sure to always un-plug and store appliances out of reach of small children.
Teach your children at an early age about electrical safety and why electricity is so dangerous. Show them by example how to treat electricity with respect and how to safely use electrical appliances. Also remember that adults can become victims of electrocution, too. Make sure you are well-informed about the hazards in your home, then take the necessary precautions so that your home is safe for the entire family.
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