Any parent or guardian's top priority is their kid's safety. A home is considered one of the safest places for the family, especially kids. However, it is important to childproof your home to prevent potential injuries and serious accidents.
While hiding sharp objects and securing cabinets and staircases is common, most parents often forget about electrical safety. Electrical outlets, wires/cords, and appliances can actually pose a danger to crawling toddlers and children of all ages. Mischievous little hands can navigate the entire home and could invite an electrical hazard.
So, here are some key electrical safety tips and tricks to childproof your home in Australia without any hassle. Don’t forget to call the best electrician Sydney for key electrical inspection and other related tasks.
Let’s Get Started!
First things first! Install tamper-resistant outlets to prevent electrical accidents. Most electrical outlets are situated at floor level, making them easily accessible to your kids. With the tamper-resistant covers, you can protect kids from inserting fingers or other objects into electrical sockets. These outlets come with built-in shutters to block access unless a plug is inserted.
You can also install plastic plugs, box covers, and sliding plate covers—all affordable options that keep your kids safe in the home. These electrical improvements can make a huge difference in keeping your home protected.
Believe it or not! Frayed electrical cords can pose a danger to your children. Loose or long cords of electrical appliances or other tools can be pulled, tripped, tangled and chewed by little ones, leading to shocks or strangulation.
So, ensure you tuck long cords away using cord shorteners or cable management systems. These will keep electrical cords organised and away from your kids.
Tip: You can attach cords to walls or furniture with adhesive straps.
Power boards and surge protectors can lead to electrical hazard when placed on the floor within kid’s reach. Overloading power boards can cause overheating, increasing the likelihood of short circuits, electrical shocks and fire hazards.
You can use boards with in-built safety covers or buy power strip covers to encase the strip and block access to the open socket. It is good to hire seasoned electrician Australia for a quick safety check after any upgrades.
Tip: Put power strips behind furniture to keep them away from your kids.
Do not forget to store your electrical appliances, such as ovens, microwaves, TVs, etc., out of reach. Smaller or portable devices can be locked in cabinets. For instance, place your gaming device and the cord on the self of a little one range. You can store blenders, toasters, and hair dryers in high cupboards.
Placing appliances out of reach isn't always enough. Some appliances can't be stashed away, like your TV. So, it is good to ensure they are stable, as children can easily pull or knock items over, putting them at a higher risk of injury.
Check the electrical appliances you’ll be using in your home and ensure they can’t be pulled over easily.
There is no denying that GFCIs are designed to prevent electrical shocks in areas where electricity and water may come into contact. This can put your kids at a huge risk. Install GFCIs in your kitchen, laundry rooms, and, of course, bathrooms. They work by tripping down the electrical circuit when they detect an electrical troubleshooting, reducing the risk of electrical shocks and injuries.
Ensure you consult a professional electrician Sydney who can install GFCIs at the right location and check Reset buttons for effective functioning.
This is one of the crucial steps when childproofing your home to prevent electrical hazards. Check for loose outlets, broken switchboards, frayed wires, malfunctioning switches, etc., that can pose potential risks. Also, keep essential items that can be used in case of a blackout hits to protect your little ones.
It is imperative to replace exposed wiring immediately and tighten loose outlets. Fix the damaged smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms because prevention is pivotal.
Additional Tip:Educate Your Kids: If your kids are capable enough to understand basic instructions, conduct a conversation about electrical safety.
Educating your kids from an early age can make a world of difference. Teach them why touching sockets or loose wires can pose hazards or how to plug and unplug appliances. Children love exploring new things, so make it a fun endeavour for their safety.
Childproofing your home against electrical risks can keep your kids protected. By incorporating these proven tips, you can provide a safe and sound environment where your little ones can play, explore, and thrive without any potential risk.