Children are prone to many different dangers in the world. While they’re in the comfort of your own home, there are still some dangers that you’ll want to identify and mitigate to ensure the safety of your children. As a parent, your electrical outlets should be your number one concern.
Utilize Covers
The most dangerous part of your outlet are the slits that the cord prongs enter. You need to cover this up as they possess a high risk of electrocution. There are many different types of covers on the market. There are prong covers that simply insert into each individual receptacle. There are auto close covers that cover up the slits when the plug is not in use. We suggest thinking about the functionality of your outlets. If you have outlets you don’t use often, then use the cheap push in plugs. If you have outlets that get used often, consider an autoclose feature that is a bit more expensive.
Use Shield Covers
While outlet covers are perfect to protect your child from dangerous electricity when your outlets are not in use, they don’t offer any protection when they are in use. When you have items plugged into your outlets, your children may try to pull on the cords. This can cause the metal part of the plug to become exposed. Instead, you should utilize shield covers. Any electrician can assist you in installing these shield covers and instruct you on how to use them properly. They essentially go over the entire corded area of the plug so that it can be touched without danger of shocking.
Replace Any Tinted Outlets
One surefire sign that you have a problem with one of the outlets in your home is that the plate and receptacle have a tinted color. This usually appears in one spot and is a result of heat burn. You’ll want to have a licensed electrician evaluate the burned area and fix the wiring that caused it. Then, have them replace the entire receptacle and plate so you can verify the problem was properly remedied.
Pay Mind to Cords
Electrical cords are the easiest ways for your children to find the locations of the outlets throughout your home. Take a moment and evaluate where all of your electrical cords are. Try and hide the cording with things like furniture so they’re out of the sight of your children. The fewer cords they see, the less likely they are to identify the outlet.
Making your electrical outlets safe is one major step towards ensuring the overall safety of your child while they’re at home. There are many aspects you’ll need to consider from the cover to the electrical cords leading up to the outlet. By following the four tips outlined for you above, you’ll be well on your way to making your home safer for your child.
