When you are a new parent, it can be extremely challenging to keep up with babies and young toddlers who seem to be attracted to dangerous objects – a hot stove or electrical outlets. According to information from the CDC, accidents are the top cause of death among children. In fact, it has been estimated that approximately 9,000 children die in the U.S. each year because of these occurrences – approximately 75 percent of the accidents occur at home. What makes the situation even worse is that most of these accidents can be prevented if you follow some electrical safety tips found here.
Ensure You Have Appliances and Devices that Work Properly
When you become a new parent, you have quite a bit of responsibility. Besides caring for your children, you need to make sure that all your appliances are in good, safe shape. It’s also a good idea to replace any worn-out wires with newer, insulated cable.
Seal and Electric Outlets Your Little Ones Could Reach
Electrical outlets pose a hazard for both babies and toddlers. As a result, you need to seal any outlets your little one may be able to reach. While this will likely only include the wall sockets, be sure to find any potential ones they can reach. If they happen to stick something inside, they may suffer a serious injury or even death.
Teach Your Children How to Handle Electrical Appliances
It’s essential that you teach your children the do’s and the don’ts of handling any type of electrical device. This will help them learn safety tips that are relevant to preventing an emergency. Also, be sure to check your appliances regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.
Pull Cords Out Properly
Did you know that if you pull a plug out by the cord it can cause damage and expose the underlying wire? This is dangerous because the components inside may shock someone (like your child) or cause a fire. As a result, you need to train your children how to unplug any cord from the wall outlet. Not only will this help to prolong the life of your cables, but it will also help to prevent any type of hazardous event from taking place.
As you can see, there are several steps you can take to help safeguard your baby or toddler. Make sure you teach them at a young age what is safe and what isn’t safe when it comes to electricity. Also, if you notice any issues with your home’s electrical system, be sure to call a professional. They will ensure the problem does not get worse and cause even more problems for you or your family.