For some parents, kids and electrical safety are words that don’t go together (especially those who have very active children!) Even so, you will need to make sure that your kids know how to use electrical appliances correctly and safely to prevent harm from coming to them.
The first thing you need to know about kids and electrical safety is that you need to teach them about the hazards of playing with electricity, and that playing with outlets or electrical appliances can electrify them or they can start a fire.
One of the most common things children do is stick objects in outlets or appliances, which may possibly cause electric shock. As such, one thing that you will need to teach them about kids and electrical safety is to avoid doing that, and inform them about the dangers involved.
Another thing that you will need to teach them about kids and electrical safety is to immediately let an adult know if they see any appliances or plugs that spark or smell odd. Children may not be aware of the hazards of these, so make sure that you teach them what to do in case these things happen. Teach them that water should not be used in case of electrical fires, or they may end up electrocuted. Post the number of your mobile phone and the fire department so that they will know who to call in case of fires.
Another important thing to teach them about kids and electrical safety is to avoid using electric devices in or near the water, to avoid risks of electrocution. At the same time, they should also avoid handling appliances if their hands are wet. If they are old enough to use electrical appliances, one thing they should know about kids and electrical safety is to avoid overloading sockets.
They will also need to be taught about kids and electrical safety measures outdoors. Teach them not to climb utility poles or trees that are close to power lines. Train them to avoid touching or going near fallen power lines, and to inform an adult if they see one. If they like flying kites, they should be told to do so in open spaces that are away from power lines.
Of course, you will also need to do your part to make sure that your kids and electrical safety come together. Get electric outlet covers, especially if your children are under four years old. Regularly check up appliances and outlets to see if these are working properly. Make sure that the electrical boxes are locked and out of reach. Make sure that the electrical cords are kept out of sight, to prevent children from playing with these or tripping over them. Replace damaged cords immediately. Avoid putting electrical appliances near areas that can get wet for kids and electrical safety.
The key to ensuring that kids and electrical safety go together is to make sure that your children are well-informed about the dangers and consequences should they play with electrical objects. That way, they will be careful about using these things since they will know exactly what may happen if something goes wrong.