Electrical Safety for Children

Electricity is everywhere in modern homes, and young children are naturally curious about outlets, cords, and glowing devices. While severe electrical injuries in homes are relatively rare thanks to modern safety standards, they can still occur and can be devastating. Understanding electrical hazards and implementing simple safety measures can protect your child.

Understanding Electrical Risks CPSC

Children face electrical risks that adults often don't think about because we've learned to navigate them automatically.

Types of electrical hazards:

Electrical outlets:

• Standard outlets are at perfect height for curious babies and toddlers
• Inserting objects into outlets can cause shock or burns
• Damaged outlets pose greater risks
• Outlets near water are especially dangerous

Electrical cords:

• Frayed or damaged cords can shock or burn
• Children chew on cords
• Pulling cords can bring heavy items down
• Cords pose strangulation risk

Appliances:

• Hair dryers, curling irons near water
• Toasters and other heat-producing items
• Appliances with exposed heating elements
• Plugged-in devices near water sources

Extension cords and power strips:

• Create additional outlets to explore
• Trip hazards
• Often overloaded
• May not have safety features

Outlet Safety AAP

Securing electrical outlets is one of the first childproofing steps parents take.

Types of outlet covers:

Plug-in outlet covers:

• Simple plastic plugs that insert into unused outlets
• Inexpensive and readily available
• Must be removed to use outlet
• Can become choking hazards if too small
• Choose covers that require adult dexterity to remove

Sliding outlet covers:

• Replace standard outlet covers
• Automatically cover outlets when plugs removed
• Can't be removed by children
• Allow normal outlet use by adults
• More expensive but more effective

Box outlet covers:

• Cover the entire outlet and plugged-in cords
• Prevent children from unplugging items
• Good for frequently used outlets
• Keep curious hands away from plug connections

Tamper-resistant outlets:

• Built-in safety mechanism
• Require equal pressure on both slots simultaneously
• Standard in all new construction since 2008
• Consider retrofitting in older homes
• Best long-term solution

Outlet safety tips:

• Cover ALL accessible outlets, even ones "behind" furniture
• Check covers regularly to ensure they're secure
• Replace standard outlets with tamper-resistant versions
• Pay special attention to outlets near water

Cord Safety Safe Kids

Cords present multiple hazards: shock, strangulation, and pulling injuries.

Managing cords safely:

Hiding cords:

• Use cord covers or raceways
• Run cords behind furniture
• Use cord shorteners to eliminate excess length
• Bundle cords together and secure out of reach

Cord condition:

• Inspect cords regularly for damage
• Replace frayed or damaged cords immediately
• Don't use tape to repair damaged cords
• Keep cords away from heat sources

Cord placement:

• Keep cords off the floor where possible
• Ensure cords don't cross walkways
• Position furniture to hide cords naturally
• Don't run cords under rugs (fire hazard)

Preventing pulling injuries:

• Secure cords so pulling doesn't topple items
• Use cord management clips
• Position appliances back from edges
• Keep cords taut, not dangling enticingly

Extension Cord Safety CPSC

Extension cords require special attention because they multiply electrical access points.

Extension cord guidelines:

• Use only as temporary solutions
• Choose cords rated for intended use
• Never daisy-chain multiple extension cords
• Select cords with built-in safety features
• Use covers to protect cord connections
• Unplug when not in use

Power strip safety:

• Use surge protectors with automatic shutoffs
• Don't overload power strips
• Mount power strips out of reach when possible
• Cover unused outlets on power strips
• Replace damaged or old power strips

Kitchen and Bathroom Electrical Safety AAP

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. These rooms require extra vigilance.

Kitchen safety:

• Keep appliances away from the sink
• Unplug appliances when not in use
• Store appliances with cords wrapped, out of reach
• Never leave cords dangling over counter edges
• Install GFCI outlets near water sources
• Teach children the kitchen is not a play area

Bathroom safety:

• Keep all electrical devices away from tub, shower, and sink
• Unplug and store hair dryers, curling irons after use
• Never touch electrical devices with wet hands
• Install GFCI outlets (required in modern homes)
• Keep radios and other devices out of bathroom
• Supervise children around any electrical devices

GFCI outlets:

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters cut power if they detect imbalance
• Required in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors, garages
• Have "test" and "reset" buttons
• Test monthly by pressing test button
• If GFCI trips frequently, have electrician check

Teaching Electrical Safety Safe Kids

Even with physical safeguards, teaching children about electrical dangers is important.

Age-appropriate lessons:

Toddlers (1-3 years):

• "No touch" - outlets and cords are off-limits
• Simple repetition of safety rules
• Redirect away from electrical items
• Model safe behavior

Preschoolers (3-5 years):

• Explain electricity can hurt
• Demonstrate what's safe and what's not
• Talk about not putting things in outlets
• Discuss keeping water away from electricity

School-age (5+):

• More detailed explanations of how electricity works
• Why safety rules exist
• What to do if they see electrical danger
• Never using appliances near water
• Recognizing damaged cords or outlets

Key messages for all ages:

• Never put anything into an outlet
• Don't touch electrical items with wet hands
• Tell an adult about damaged cords or outlets
• Don't play near power lines outside

Outdoor Electrical Safety

Electrical hazards exist outside the home too.

Outdoor hazards:

• Power lines (downed or overhead)
• Outdoor outlets
• Pool and spa equipment
• Holiday lighting
• Power tools and lawn equipment

Teaching outdoor safety:

• Never climb trees near power lines
• Stay away from downed power lines (tell adult immediately)
• Never touch utility boxes
• Don't fly kites near power lines
• Stay away from electrical substations

When to Call an Electrician

Some electrical issues require professional attention.

Signs of electrical problems:

• Outlets that spark when used
• Warm or hot outlet covers
• Flickering lights
• Circuit breakers that trip frequently
• Burning smell near outlets or switches
• Outlets that don't work
• Two-prong outlets in older homes

Upgrades to consider:

• Installing tamper-resistant outlets throughout home
• Adding GFCI outlets where needed
• Updating old wiring in older homes
• Adding outlet covers in bathrooms and kitchens

Emergency Response

Know what to do if an electrical accident occurs.

If your child is being shocked:

• Don't touch them directly (you could be shocked too)
• Turn off power at the source if possible
• Use non-conductive material (dry wood, rubber) to separate child from source
• Call 911 immediately

If your child touches an outlet or cord:

• Check for burns on hands, mouth, or lips
• Watch for signs of internal injury
• Seek medical attention for any shock
• Even minor shocks warrant a call to the doctor

The Bottom Line

Electrical safety requires a combination of physical safeguards and education. Cover outlets, manage cords, and teach your child about electrical dangers from an early age. Most electrical accidents are preventable with simple precautions.

Clara is here to help you keep your curious child safe from electrical hazards!