The Best Ways to Teach Your Kids About Power Sockets and Cords Safety
Electricity is something we’re around 24 hours a day – so protecting our kids against its potential dangers is critically important. Even with the best electrical mechanisms and childproofing measures in place, you should still train your little ones to stay away from any electrical dangers.
Once your kids begin to crawl and explore, you can begin training them to stay away from electrical sockets. Monitor them so you can catch them in the act of fiddling with a cord or socket. Firmly tell them, “No!” and redirect them elsewhere. Kids are naturally curious, so teaching your little ones the following tips can help them stay safe or you can visit www.madisonelectricianservice.com for more advice and services you need to make your home safe from electrical hazards.
Explain The Danger of Electrical Sockets and Cords
Once your child turns four or five, they will begin to understand when you explain why they should stay away from cords and sockets. Tell them they can get hurt or even die. As harsh as that may sound, it is the reality of electrical safety. Tell them never to put anything into electrical sockets. If they need to plug anything in, they should always ask an adult for permission. They should never pull or yank on electrical cords. As a side note for parents, plugging in too many appliances into one socket can cause power surges that lead to broken electronics and electrical hazards.
Teach Your Kids to Keep Electrical Devices Far Away From Water
Many electrical accidents that occur in the home are caused by using electricity near water sources like sinks, baths, and toilets. Tell your children to alert an adult if a device or appliance falls into the water. They should also never put their hands on electric cords or light switches while their hands are wet or while they are standing in the water. Doing so can lead to shock or electrocution.
Power tools and other electronics should also be kept away from swimming pools, puddles, sprinklers, and any other water sources. If there’s a thunderstorm, remind your kids to steer clear of puddles and go indoors as soon as possible.
Stay Far Away From Fallen Wires, Broken Wires, and Sparks
Teach your kids to stay far away from broken power lines, fallen wires, broken wires, and sparks. Even if they don’t see sparks, broken or fallen wires may still be active and dangerous. They should also avoid flying kites, climbing trees, or building tree houses near power lines.
Talk to Them About Electricity
Starting when they are young, discuss with your children how electricity works and why it can be dangerous. Show them the power lines outside and then walk around your home and explain how electricity travels through the wires, into your home and into the outlets. Explain how electricity flows constantly, so they should never play with outlets. Consider putting plastic safety covers on outlets to remove any potential temptation and prevent accidents. Explain the dangers of electricity around water, and how they should never put anything electronic in the bathtub.
Teach Them to Be Responsible
As your children grow, teach them how to use electricity correctly. This means learning how to safely remove electrical cords from outlets, as well as not overloading power strips. Also, teach your kids to never take apart electronics that are plugged in.
