Children are inherently curious which is extremely dangerous when it comes to electricity. Here are some electrical safety tips for kids because we want to help reduce the number of childhood injuries and deaths from electrical-related accidents.

INDOOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS

  • Never put fingers or any objects in the electrical outlet or light bulb socket.
  • Keep your fingers and metal objects away from small appliances, such as toasters and hairdryers, even if the appliance is off.
  • Ask an adult for help when you need to use things that use electricity.
  • Never use any appliance or electrical stuff with a cord or plug near water such as sink, bathtub, swimming pool or other sources of water. Most electrical-related accidents happen when people use electricity near water.
  • Never pull or yank a plug out by its cord.
  • Never touch any electrical appliance if you are wet.
  • If you see a worn, frayed or damaged electrical cord, tell an adult immediately.
  • Avoid keeping drinks from electronic appliances like computers, gaming consoles, TV, stereos, and speakers.
  • Unplug electrical appliances before cleaning them.
  • Make sure electrical outlets in the kitchen, laundry, bathroom, workshop, garage, and basement have FGCIs. Call a professional residential electrician to ensure they are working properly.
  • Secure unused wall outlets. Use plastic inserts or cover unused outlets with plastic safety caps. Block your outlets with the creative arrangement of furniture.
  • Make sure your kid is thoroughly dry after bathing him before he starts running around touching everything in the house.
  • Use extension cords temporarily not as permanent household wiring. Make sure there are safety closures to protect children from electrical shock or mouth burns. Hide your extension cords behind furniture or use a hide-a-cord device.
  • Avoid keeping appliances or devices plugged in and switched on while you’re not in the same room with your children. Small kids tend to put things in their mouths.
  • Don’t leave appliances like washing machine, tumble dryer, or dishwasher on while you’re not using them. Make it a point to turn off any appliances when not in use.
  • Check outlets for loose-fitting plugs. Replace missing or broken wall plates so that wirings are not exposed.

 

OUTDOOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS

Children want to have a fun day outdoors during sunny summer days. But before you let your kids head outdoors to play, review these electrical safety rules to them to prevent serious injury or possible death.

  • Never touch metal transformer boxes with warning signs.
  • Never climb trees near power lines even if the lines are not touching the tree. It might touch the line if more weight is added to the branch.
  • Never climb or play near power lines and electrical equipment.
  • Don’t climb on fences around electric substations.
  • Don’t fly kites or drones near power lines or substations. A kite, Mylar or helium-filled balloons on strings can get tangled in power lines. The string may conduct electricity and cause electrical shock or start a fire.
  • If you see something stuck or tangled in a power line, have an adult to call the power company. Never try to climb to remove the item from the power lines yourself.
  • Fly kites and model airplanes in large open areas like a park or open field. If the kite gets stuck in a tree near the power lines, don’t climb up to get it. Call your electric utility provider for assistance.
  • Never fly a kite during cloudy days when there is a thunderstorm.
  • Never climb a utility pole or tower. The electricity carried through this equipment is extremely high voltage that can kill you.
  • Never go into an electrical substation because it contains high-voltage equipment, which can kill you. Never retrieve a ball that goes inside or rescue a pet, have an adult call your electric utility instead.
  • Never go swimming during a thunderstorm.
  • Water and electricity are a dangerous combination and should never be used near each other.
  • Stay away from fallen electrical wire. Have an adult call the power company to report it or call 000 to report it immediately.
  • Avoid touching overhead electrical wires if you are carrying a long object such as a ladder or pool skimmer.
  • Never throw objects, such as a stone or slipper onto electrical power lines.
  • Do not hang signs or banners on electric utility poles.
  • If you are operating an electrical appliance or playing an electrical toy outside, stay at least 10 feet away from any wet surface like a swimming pool.
  • If your pet or a friend is in contact with a downed electrical line or electrical equipment, call 000 or have an adult call 000 immediately.

Talk to your kids about how electricity works and how dangerous electricity can be. Teach your kids that water and wet objects make electricity more dangerous. Teaching our kids about electrical safety inside the home and outdoors will keep them safe and help them to be responsible adults.