It is in the nature of kids to be curious. It is at its peak when the toddler starts crawling all around the place. However, curiosity in kids can lead them into danger and other perilous activities. Cords, electrical outlets and other major devices at home can be dangerous to children. When these hazardous electrical items are left exposed, your kid may experience electrocution.
The good news is that parents can always find useful tips to help them get rid of any dangerous electrical items. Baby-proof outlet covers childproof light switch, extension cord cover – all this comes in handy when you are childproofing your home.
Identifying the Electrical Hazard
Before starting to childproof electrical devices, it is important to identify all areas that can put the children at risk. Inspect every room. Check for all points that the children can reach including behind furniture, on countertops, above dressers and any other point that might put your baby at risk. If you are not sure which areas must be considered as an electrical hazardous, ask a professional licensed electrician to perform this kind of inspection for you.
Baby-Proof Outlets
According to CFSA putting conductive items in the electrical outlets, like coins and keys have endangered the lives of many innocent children.
- Ensure that every electrical outlet is covered with baby-proof outlet covers. Childproof outlet covers should especially be put on the outlets which are on lower levels where the children can easily reach. For as little as $3, you can get simply designed covers for your specific outlet designs.
- Buy plastic caps that slide to the side when you want to plug in a lamp and closes it automatically when you disconnect a cable. Also, the spring-loaded covers are strong enough to prevent a small child from opening them.
- If your house was built before 2008, you might consider switching your outlets to TRR (tamper-resistant receptacles) outlets, which are considered to be automatically baby-proofed outlets, as the only way to release the shutters would be to insert at the same time, something a toddler couldn’t possibly do.
Tips To Childproof Electrical Cords
Most electric shock-oriented accidents come from electrical cords. In fact, the danger caused by electrical cords are more than those from power outlets. According to WebMD, only 15% of injuries come from power outlets. On the contrary, WebMD confirmed that about 63% of electric shocks come from electrical cords. It implies that parents should spend more of their time examining the nature of electrical cords at home.
Most homes have many electrical cords which supply power to different electrical appliances. In such homes, children always try to play with these cords and this can be very dangerous. Instead of leaving such cords in a disorganized manner it is advisable to secure them.
- Place the cords where a child cannot reach.
- If the cord is too long, coil them to ensure they are neat and out of reach.
- It is not a good idea to sweep the cords of appliances beneath the rug when they are not linked to power.
- Parents can buy gaffer tapes to cover any electrical cords at home. The tape has the capability of holding down cords without causing any further problems.
How To Childproof Power Strips
A curious toddler or a baby crawling around your home may be vulnerable to exposed power strips. When power strips are unplugged from the electrical mains, they can be highly dangerous. Even if power strips are switched off from the electrical outlets and left unplugged, you can be electrocuted as well.
- An extension cord cover can also be used to ensure that all the electrical cords in the house are well covered.
- Parents can find cost-effective power strip protectors that are wall-mounted to ensure that the child cannot reach them.
Conclusion
Childproofing should be performed by a licensed, insured, accredited and qualified electrician to prevent injuries and accidents. Make sure that you hire a professional that you trust.