Have you ever experienced electrical injury in the home?
I remember growing up in the ’80s and life seemed so carefree. Parents didn’t hover much. We were latchkey kids.
I remember one time when my brother, cousins, and I were playing in the basement. There was a loose electrical outlet and when my cousin plugged in our radio, he got zapped. Instead of yelling for my mom and informing her that there was danger downstairs, my cousin told my brother to plug in the radio. He plugged in the radio, and then they both got zapped. We could see the spark from the electricity and the boys got shocked. The momentary jolt of energy scared them for a moment, then they thought it was funny and wanted to do it again.
Now that I am a parent and have had time to process this experience over and over in my head, I am even more convinced that it is so crucial to keep children safe from electrical injury in the home.
When I got pregnant back in 2008, I made sure to buy whatever I could to baby-proof our house. Every single outlet in the house had to have electrical outlet covers. Friends with little ones have told me horror stories of their kids sticking all kinds of objects into electrical outlets. I wanted to avoid the scary experiences like that all together. One friend’s toddler stuck a butter knife into a socket. Let’s face it…Kids are curious by nature and like sticking objects into whatever crevice possible.
Fortunately, Little One wasn’t really interested in electrical outlets. Thank goodness, because though I was extremely diligent when it came to safety and watching her with electrical outlets, she did enjoy helping out with housework and cooking. While she was never a kid who liked to plug and unplug cords, she did like to operate kitchen appliances and gadgets, and she still loves vacuuming. She was and still is obsessed with using the blender and mixer.
Though I am very pleased that Little One is independent and likes to make her own smoothies and vacuum the living room, I always check to see that she is being safe. I make sure that she plugs and unplugs things properly.
I also had an experience being zapped as an adult and wanted to make sure my little one never experienced it. I unplugged an appliance and somehow got zapped. It was startling, but I was not injured. Still, I promised myself when we ever had a child, we would do our best to keep him or her safe from electrical injury.
Admittedly, I was worried about my brother and cousins zapping themselves by unplugging the radio, but didn’t think it was a huge concern. It was a little zap. No harm, right? Well, I recently learned in reading this Electrical Safety Authority information, that there is no such thing as a safe shock.
Here’s a snippet from their website:
The majority of Ontarians say they’ve received a shock. And although people may brush off a little zap from a toaster or a buzz from an outlet, new research shows that even low-voltage shocks can have serious long-term after effects like memory loss, anxiety and pins and needles.
Here are some simple tips to make your home a safe-zone for you and your kids:
- If your outlet has a missing or broken cover plate, replace it immediately. Outlet covers create a barrier between children and exposed wires.
- Install tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles to protect younger children from shocks. They have shutters that cover the plug slots and help prevent little fingers or objects from going into the outlet.
- Small kids often want to explore new things by putting them in their mouths. Keep cords away from little hands and mouths. This is a serious shock hazard—and no shock is a safe shock.
- Teach older children how to plug in and unplug safely. Never overload outlets by plugging in too many cords. Use an approved power bar that has surge protection instead. When it’s time to unplug, don’t yank cords from the wall. This can damage the appliance, the cord and the outlet
- If a cord is frayed, replace it. Tape won’t protect kids from a shock. Extension cords—which should only be used temporarily—are prone to cracking and fraying, which can lead to a shock or fire.
- Water and electricity can be a lethal mix. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)—the ones with the reset button—in any room with water (ie. bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms) to help protect from a shock.
- If you have electrical work that needs to be done in your home, hire only a Licensed Electrical Contractor for the work.
My husband is a farmer and does a lot of handiwork around the home and farm, but for major things like electrical work in the home, a licensed electrical contractor is the only way to go. I don’t want to chance anything when it has to do with electrical work done in the home. Also really important is teaching our child to plug and unplug safely and not overload outlets with too many cords.
For more info on how to prevent shocks, visit the Electrical Safety Authority site here. You can also engage with them on Twitter and Facebook.
GIVEAWAY
Because the topic of keeping kids safe from electrical injury is important to me, I’m giving away (1) $50 home improvement store gift card to help make some of the home fixes outlined in this post! Just comment below and let me know how you keep your kids safe from electrical injury! Open to residents of Canada (excluding QC). Ends October 31, 2017. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure – This post was written in partnership with Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). All thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.
I learned not to overload outlets.
I learned that taping a frayed cord won’t protect you from a shock.
I learned to teach older children how to plug in and unplug safely & to never yank the cords from the wall.
I learnt to replace broken receptacles straight away!
I learnt that you shouldn’t overload the outlets with plugs..
I learned that you need to keep an eye on your cords and replace if frayed.
I learned that taping a frayed cord won’t protect anyone from a shock.
I learnt that you should not pull a plug out by the cable, which is something I sometimes do… ooops
I learnt that you should keep plugs and outlets away from little mouths
I learnt that you should not pull a plug out by the cable
I learned to never overload outlets by plugging in too many cords.
Learned not to overload plugs
One thing I learned about preventing shocks is that water and electricity can be a lethal mix
I make sure that I do not overload outlets with too many cords.
I learned to install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in any room with water to protect from shocks.
I learned that its a good idea to replace broken recepticle covers right away
I learnt not to overload outlets!
When you have young children, tamper resistant plugs should be installed in all outlets.
Learned to replace broken recepticle covers ASAP
I learned that you should Install tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles to protect younger children from shocks.
I learned not to overload the outlets
I learned that a great preventative measure is to Install tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles to protect younger children from shocks.
I also learnt that you should make sure that when you are near water – don’t use any electrical. Use caution.
I learnt to only use extension cords as a temporary measure!
Don’t use extensions cords.
I learned to never overload outlets by plugging in too many cords!
Its a good idea to teach your kids how to be safe around electrical things
Learned that it is important to teach kids how to be safe around electricity.
I learnt to not pull the plug out of the socket using the cord
I learnt that you should always use an approved power bar with a surge protector.
I learned that water and electricity can be a lethal mix.
I learned if a cord is frayed, you have to replace it
Learned it is important to use power bars with surge protectors.
I learnt that you should keep water away from anything electrical.
I learned that you need to hire ONLY a Licensed Electrical Contractor for any electrical work done in your home.
Do not pull the plugs out by the cord!
Keep water away from anything electrical.
I learnt that you should always check the cords for fraying and replace if fraying is found.
we make sure the cord are not frayed
I learned to replace an outlet immediately if it has a broken or missing cover plate.
I learned that it’s important to hire only a licensed electrical contractor for electrical work.
Learned never to pull pugs out from their cords.
It’s important to hire only a Licensed Electrical Contractor for electrical work that needs to be done in our home.
I learned that you should use a approved power bar that has surge protection!!!
I learned to replace an outlet immediately if it has a missing or broken cover plate.
I learnt that you should only use a Licensed Electrical Contractor to do the job!
Never keep wires exposed.
I learnt that you should not overload a circuit with too many plugs
I learned that I should install plug covers.
We always have had the plug covers in out outlets!
I learned to never yank cords from the wall
You should only use extension cords for temporary applications.
I learned to never yank cords from the wall as it can damage the appliance, cord & outlet.
I learned not to overload your outlets!
Don’t yank cords out of the wall. This could damage the appliance, the cord and the outlet resulting in a shock.
I learnt that you should only use power bars temporarily!
I learned that it is not safe to pull a cord out of the wall by the cord itself. Pull it by the plug.
I learned thatit’s important for you to use an approved power bar that has surge protection
I learned of the importance of teaching kids electrical safety.
I learned that it is important to teach kids to be safe around electrical outlets, not to pull cords etc.
I learned on the website that outlet covers create a barrier between people and exposed wires.
I learnt that you should use approved power bars that have surge protection
I learned that you should use an approved power bar that has surge protection.
Extension cords should only be used for temporary situations.!!
Learned that water & electrical don’t mix so install GFCI’s
I learned it’s important to keep cords away from the little hands and mouths of children.
I learned that you should teach your children how to plug and unplug things safely.
I learnt that you should not overload your outlets!
I learned that I need to replace an extension cord with an approved power bar that has surge protection.
Make sure outlets are not overloaded.
Learned that you should hire a licensed electrician to do repairs.
I learned that tape won’t protect you from a shock. It’s best to just replace the cord.
I learned that extension cords are only to be used temporarily!
I learnt that power bars should have surge protectors
I learned to always use an approved power bar that has surge protection.
I have a GFCI in the bathroom and use child-proof caps on most outlets to keep my child safe.
I learned that ALL electrical shocks are preventable.
Learned that you should replace outlet covers immediately when you notice they are broken since they are the protection from the wires.
I learned that ALL electrical shocks are preventable.
you should always hire a professional to do electrical work!
I learned that you should replace broken or missing cover plates.
I learned that power bars should be approved and have a surge protectors.
I learned it’s important to check all our extention cords for frays.
Learned that you should always hire a professional to deal with electrical repairs.
I learned that you should use approved power bars that has surge protection.
I learned you should install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters in rooms with water.
I learned that if the cord is frayed – the item needs to be replaced (at least the cord)!
Check all of your cords. If a cord is frayed, replace it. — We are guilty of this with our iphone cords!
HIRE a pro!! IT might cost way more but safety first
I learnt that you should check all of your cords. and replace if frayed or broken
I had no idea that extension cords should only be used temporarily!
I always hire an electrical contractor (licensed) and to keep the outlets covered to prevent little children from putting their fingers in the holes.
I learned that you should keep cords away from little hands and mouths.
Learned that you shouldn’t overload plugs.
Make sure your power bar has surge protection on it
I learned that you should use an approved power bar that has surge protection
Something that I learned was that for electrical work that needs to be done in your home, hire only a Licensed Electrical Contractor to do the work. #NoSafeShock
Something I do to prevent electrical shocks and keep my family safe is I cover all the outlets that children can reach with outlet protectors. #NoSafeShock
Yanking a cord out of a wall could do damage to the cord
I learned that extension cords should only be used temporarily and not a permanent thing
I learned that extension cords should only be used temporarily
Learned that you should only use extension cords for temporary applications.
I make sure that we have proper power bars (even for hubby)
A small shock can cause memory loss, anxiety and pins and needles.
I learned that you should never yank a cord out of the wall, it could do damage.
Never overload outlets by plugging in too many cords.
Learnt that low-voltage shocks can have serious long-term after effects like memory loss, anxiety and pins and needles.
I make sure the power bars are hidden behind the tv or something so small fingers dont get at them.
We make sure we don’t overload circuits!
I take all the safety precautions necessary to keep my family safe. We always hire an electrician when needed, better safe than sorry!
I cover the electrical outlets with protectors.
I learned to always be aware of frayed cords.
I inspect all our cords once a year for frays
I learnt that its important to make sure you don’t overload circuits.
I learned that we have internal electricity that doesn’t mix well with external electricity.
I inspect the cords for anything that is plugged in to look for frays etc
Make sure we don’t overload circuits.
We stay safe from electrical injury by not to overload the outlet. especially with the slumberous gadgets that needs to charged
One thing I learned about preventing shocks is to only hire licensed professional electricians for your electrical work.
We stay safe from electrical injury by trying not to overload the outlet. I live in an old farm house in which most rooms only have one outlet!
I learned that a small shock can cause memory loss, anxiety and pins and needles.
Pretty much – the 7 Preventing Shocks I already knew
Learned that if a cord is frayed then replace it.
I learned that instead of using electrical tape to fix a frayed cord, the cord should be replaced completely. This is something that I didn’t know and will now put into practice.
I learned about tamper-resistant receptacles. I will be picking some up soon as they sound safer than outlet covers.
We teach our kids how to plug and unplug cords properly and not to play with or even move electrical gadgets without an adult there. We also cover outlets and use surge protectors.
I learned If your outlet has a missing or broken cover plate, replace it immediately. Outlet covers create a barrier between people and exposed wires.
when I had littles ones in the home I had socket covers in, made sure any electrical cords were is good shape and out of their way
I learned to install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) – the ones with the reset button – in any room with water (i.e. bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms) to help protect from a shock.
I learned that even a small shock can have long-term side effects.
all outlets are covered so children and animals have a smaller chance of putting something into the outlets. thanks
I learned not to yank cords from the wall. My husband reminded me of this a few times until it sunk in. It could damage the appliances.
I learned that the majority of Ontarians say they’ve received a shock.
There’s No Such Thing as a Safe Shock – I’ve had the toaster shock and that was tingly enough for me
When the kids were young we had all those things to put into electrical outlets as well as the corner things so kids don’t hit the corners etc (it was a whole kit back in those days)
with young kids in our house all the time we cover those sockets not in everyday use.
I learned that you can get electrocuted by running over the cord when mowing the lawn.
I learned that this year in Ontario, there will be approximately 2000 visits to the E.R due to electrical shock, some being fatal.
This is new: Use an approved power bar that has surge protection. I don’t know if what we have is approved or not!
We use the plugs in all of our sockets for our kids.
Always hire a professional to do wiring electrical work!
From the website, I learned to teach older children how to plug in and unplug safely.
I learned that water and electricity can be a lethal mix.
Check all of your cords. If a cord is frayed, replace it. Tape won’t protect anyone from a shock. Extension cords – which should only be used temporarily – are prone to cracking and fraying, which can lead to a shock or fire.
It may seem like an obvious thing, but always using a licensed electrician is a good tip.
I learned that you should install tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles to protect younger children from shocks.
I learned to check cords to make sure they are not frayed.and replace if it is
I learned that if you have electrical work that needs to be done in your home, hire only a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
I have little removable plastic outlet covers on all our electrical outlets.
I learned to never overload outlets by plugging in too many cords.
We make sure there are covers over all electrical outlets and we have not defective cords.
I learned that If a cord is frayed, replace it. Tape won’t protect anyone from a shock.
I inspect cords and electrical outlets regularly to make sure they are safe and in working order,
It’s important to keep cords away from little hands and mouths!
I learned that replacing damaged/loose covers is really important.
protect those outlets with covers
I learned that you should never overload outlets by plugging in too many cords.
We keep plastic plugs in the wall so my son doesn’t stick things in the outlets.
I learned that even low voltage shocks can have serious physical effects.
We have kiddie-proof covers on all of our outlets.
I learned that I should install tamper-resistant receptacles!
I learned that the majority of Ontarians say they’ve received a shock..
I learned that if you have electrical work that needs to be done in your home, hire only a Licensed Electrical Contractor for the work.
Install tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles is something I learned to prevent shocks
inspecting the electrical plate covers
checking all your cords to be sure they are in good shape
I’ve learned that more than 110 kids in Ontario go to the emergency department each year because of an electrical injury.
I learned that a missing or broken cover plate should be replaced immediately!
I learned that there’s no such thing as a safe Shock! Even low voltage shock can have serious long-term after effects.
I inspect my appliance cords and outdoor extension on a regular basis. I got a shock when I was a teenager I was in my dad shop doing some work for him I didn’t realize I was standing in a little puddle of water when I turn the radio on.
I learned that you should check all of your cords. If a cord is frayed, replace it.
We have our outlets covered and protected!
I learned if a cord is frayed, replace it – tape won’t protect anyone from a shock.
We don’t have any kids running around, but I make sure I only have licensed and insured electrical contractors. I do remember when I was little sticking a bobby pin into the outlet – that was a shock! The worst was I put a knife into the toaster – that was a wicked shock. Parents do need to think ahead of what kids might try, and try to take precautions.
I’ve covered the electrical outlets so our toddler’s little fingers won’t be tempted to put anything in them!
I learned that if I have an appliances with a frayed electrical cord, it’s important to have it replaced.