Babies and toddlers lack the ability to truly understand the nature of electricity and grasp its dangers. So it’s up to us to keep an eye on them. Remember they can be quick, so it is best to child-proof your home.

Here are some things you can do to make your house safer: 

• Secure all power and extension cords. 
• Don’t let any cords or cables hang down where little hands can grab them. Once a child has a cord in their hands, all it takes is one quick tug to cause mayhem. 
• Use hide-a-cord devices. There are specially designed products to tidy and hide cords and cables including cable covers or channels, cord management boxes, cord bundlers, and cord/cable sleeves. You can also use baskets and other containers to hide cords and cables. 
• Put safety caps and covers on all your outlets.
• Install tamper-resistant outlets. They have a shutter system that blocks the slots. The slots only open when even pressure is applied to all the slots at the same time. Like when you are inserting a plug. If you try and insert something into one slot, the slot will not open.
• Place appliances and electrical devices out of reach of young children.

When it comes to teaching your children about electricity and how to use it safely, you need to explain the information in an age-appropriate way. You don’t want to scare them and you don’t want to overwhelm them. 

In addition to modelling good electrical safety, please teach your kids:

• About electricity, how it works, and its dangers. There are several good videos online that you can watch with them.
• How to safely remove electrical cords. No yanking.
• Electricity and water do not mix. Never use an electrical device around water and don’t unplug appliances and devices with wet hands. This includes battery-operated ones.
• If they ever find an electrical device in water, to leave it alone. Do not touch it and find an adult immediately to deal with it.
• Electricity and metal do not mix. Never put anything metal in a toaster.
• Never put anything, including fingers, tongues, and forks in an outlet. If they do, they will be in for the shock of their lives.
• Don’t climb power poles, trees, or structures near power lines.
• Never fly a kite near power lines
• Stay away from downed power lines and call 911 or tell an adult about the downed lines.
  • Teach your child your home address and your phone number.
• In fact, kids and adults should really avoid power lines and substations. Only the experts need to be near them.
• Obey all warning signs near electrical equipment.

Helping your children understand electricity and its dangers will help keep your kids safe.