Childproofing Tips to Prevent Electric Shocks and Injuries

3 December, 2018
Childproofing Tips to Prevent Electric Shocks and Injuries

Keeping your children safe and sound is of the utmost importance. While electricity clearly has a plethora of different benefits, it can be dangerous when handled by the wrong people. If the proper precautions aren’t taken, then young children can be at risk of serious injury and even death in some unfortunate cases. Here, we provide several childproofing tips that can help prevent electric shocks and injuries.

Preventing Fires

Electrical fires often occur due to electronic devices or electrical outlets. In order to childproof these items, you should ensure that your children don’t have access to any electronic appliances that can potentially start a fire in the home.

You should also keep an emergency ladder on the second or third floor of your home. The ladder should be kept in a room that is being used by an adult or a responsible older child so they can quickly access and use it properly in the event of a fire. A fire escape plan should also be practiced regularly with your children to reduce the risk of injury during a fire.

Preventing Burns

Scalding hot coffee, burning hot stoves, and even hot faucets can serve as potent hazards when children are concerned. Many children are burned or scalded by hot liquids or other such items because they are not careful. As children are naturally inquisitive creatures, they are especially at risk of being burned. Their sensitive skin makes it even more important that they are protected from items that can scald or burn them.

Tamper Proof Your Outlets

We would recommend that you tamper proof all of your outlets around the house. By installing tamper-proof outlets you will prevent prying fingers from entering into unused outlets. Only a properly rated plug can be inserted into these outlets thanks to an internal barrier. As such, foreign objects and/or fingers cannot enter, which will prevent electrical shock and burns.

Add Child Resistant Wall Plates

Unprotected outlets can also be protected via wall plates that are child resistant. They can be placed over conventional receptacles. A spring loaded wall plate will protect unused outlets so that only adults can open them.

Plastic Outlet Caps

Plastic outlet caps are yet another option, as they can be added to unused receptacles around the house. They are actually extremely simple to install, so they are recommended if you are not a handy person. They will prevent a toddler’s fingers from contacting unused outlets.

Install Switch Locks

Most switch locks will fit over a conventional wall switch. They include handy locking snaps so that children won’t be able to turn appliances or lights on and off.

Install a Nightlight

Children can get a good night’s rest by having a nightlight installed in their room. By doing so, they won’t be afraid of the dark and will be more likely to fall asleep. However, it also has the added benefit of allowing them to move around the room without bumping into objects and potentially injuring themselves.

Some nightlights have an automatic on/off feature that will turn off at dawn and turn on at dusk. Also, purchase a model that fits over both outlets so that you won’t have to worry about an unused outlet being accessed by your curious child. They are also quite cost effective and energy efficient, as most will only cost you a few pennies per day, and they have many models to choose from, so your child can pick out a model that they love.

Lightbulbs

Also, make sure that every light socket that can be reached by your children has a lightbulb in it. This will help reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Avoid Extension Cords

Extension cords should stay out of your child’s room if possible. If you include extension cords in their room, then they may chew into them and possibly seriously injure themselves or choke on the wire. Or, they may pull on the wire, causing a heavy appliance to fall and cut them or render them unconscious.

Batteries Must be Kept Secure

Batteries must be kept in a safe and secure place where children cannot get a hold of them. Many children die every year because they choke on small batteries, so keep them away from children at all costs.

Supervise Your Children

Over 40% of children aged between 11 and 13 are not supervised when they are handling electronic devices. In fact, 1 in 10 children under the age of 7 are also unsupervised when they play with electronic devices. As such, keep a close eye on your children whenever you are home or ask a reliable babysitter to constantly monitor them when they’re playing with certain toys and gadgets. Today, many young children play with electronic games, tablets, phones, and other such devices, so being vigilant will help keep your children safe while they expand their minds and horizons.

Choose Hi-Lite Electrical Inc.

If you need a licensed electrician in Toronto, then we can help. Hi-Lite Electrical offers repairs, maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades, home renovations, inspections and safety checks, emergency services, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. To learn more about how we can help you keep your family safe from electric shocks, give us a call at 416-800-5536 or contact us here.



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Riaz Jilani
Riaz Jilani
2024-06-05
I had another electrician which not giving me time and then I search on google and found Hi Lite with good reviews so I decided to try them. I send massage on their website and after 30 minutes I got call from them they booked me different time which was not suitable for me. I requested them and they change according to my convenient.electrician came on time complete the job also advised me some unseen problems also fixed perfectly and my satisfaction . First time I really impressed I recommend them they are trouble free and with good reputation
Michael Butler
Michael Butler
2024-05-10
Stove wasn't working. Stove people said it was an electrical issue. Steven came over, showed me what was wrong. Now I know more about electricity. 5/5 would electricity again.
Heather D
Heather D
2024-05-10
Excellent service. Matt came out after hours to resolve an emergency situation where an outlet in our garage caught on fire. He was here within the hour and completed the work efficiently. In addition he communicated clearly all the necessary steps needed. We will definitely be calling him back for additional assistance in the future if the need arises.
Amrik Bhogal
Amrik Bhogal
2024-04-29
Excellent service! We had a problem with some receptacles in a couple of rooms in our house. Tried the usual resetting the breakers and GFI plugs, but to no avail. Called Hi-Lite Electric based on a recommendation from a friend. Matthew from Hi-Lite come over, diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. He was very knowledgeable and kept me in the loop as what he was doing. His estimate was very accurate. I would highly recommend HiLite
Roy Thompson
Roy Thompson
2024-04-29
Matthew and Steven did a fantastic job added two lights in my bedroom, prior to that their was no lights in my bedrooms. i would highly recommend them.
Izabella Hansen
Izabella Hansen
2024-04-23
Had a great experience with Matthew, a licensed electrician. He explained everything I needed thoroughly. Worked efficiently, was professional and curteous. I highly recommend this family run company.
Jo Persad
Jo Persad
2024-04-19
Excellent service. We had a problem with our house wiring and Matthew diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. He was very polite and pleasant and informative. We would highly recommend HiLite.
James Danakas
James Danakas
2024-03-27
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Corrado Di Rosa
Corrado Di Rosa
2024-03-26
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Funk Roberts
Funk Roberts
2024-03-18
I recently had the pleasure of having Matt from HiLite Electrical come over to replace my smoke alarm, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service provided. From the moment Matt arrived, it was clear he was not only highly skilled but also incredibly personable and professional. His attention to detail was impeccable, ensuring that the job was done efficiently and effectively. What truly set Matt apart was his commitment to going above and beyond. He was punctual, arriving right on time, which is a rarity these days. But more importantly, he took the time to explain the process, what the problem was, and why we couldn't get the unit from the foundation in the first place. He was also amazing to talk about in general (especially fitness, training and combat sports, relationships, and other things), and ensured everything was working perfectly before he considered his job done. I highly recommend Hi-Lite Electrical to anyone in need of electrical services. Their team, from speaking with Ang on the phone to set up the appointment (Happy Angela Day..that's an inside joke) to Matt getting it done, Hi-Lite exemplifies the kind of professionalism and expertise that is all too rare. Trust me, if you want a hassle-free, high-quality service, look no further than Hi-Lite Electrical. A big thank you to Ang and Matt for not just meeting, but exceeding my expectations! Super Happy Customer! Funk Roberts

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