If you have children in your house, you know their endless curiosity can lead to many problems. One of these is their small fingers finding dangerous situations – such as electrical outlets. As your child continues to grow, and your toddler becomes more mobile, then it is even more important to ensure they are protected from potential hazards.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency, more than 2,400 children are injured each year when they stuff things into electrical outlets. This results in six to 12 deaths each year. As a result, you likely want to know how you can safeguard and childproof your home’s outlets.
Childproofing Your Electrical Outlets: What You Need to Know
Since you have outlets in every room of your home, it is only a matter of time before your child attempts to stick something into one. The good news is, there are a few options for you to use to childproof all the outlets in your home.
- Sliding Plate Covers: While this is one of the most expensive options, it is one of the safest, too. A sliding plate cover, also referred to as a self-closing outlet, are pretty easy to use. All you have to do is unscrew your current outlet cover and then replace it with the sliding plate cover. Each one features a spring-loaded piece of plastic that will keep the outlet slots covered when thy aren’t being used. You can use the outlet, and then the cover will move back automatically when you unplug your device.
- Outlet Covers: These are extremely common and affordable. The issue with these is that you have to put the outlet covers back on after you are done charging your devices or using an appliance. Not only will abandoned outlet covers leave your outlets exposed, they can also present a choking hazard. Also, if your toddler has strong fingers, then they may be able to outsmart your covers.
- TRR – Tamper Resistant Receptacles: The majority of situations that involve electricity and kids happen when adults are nearby. The good news is, you can have Tamper Resistant Receptacles installed. These are designed to ensure little fingers can’t get inside the outlet. Opening these types of outlets is also challenging because you have to apply the same amount of pressure on each side.
As you can see, there are several ways to keep your children’s small fingers safe from harm.
Call the Professionals for More Information
If you are unsure about which option is best for your needs, then you should consider working with a professional electrician. They can speak to you about what you need and want and then recommend the best child-protection method.
Also, the professionals can help install the protection method selected, if necessary. This can provide you with additional peace of mind that your little ones will be safe from the potential harm that uncovered electrical outlets can cause.