ELECTRICAL SAFETY FOR KIDS

Curiosity is a natural trait shared with most children. However, it can be perilous when it comes to electricity. Electricity is an essential part of our modern-day lives and basically powers our world. Although very important, electricity can also be as harmful as is useful. Hence, there is both a clear and urgent need for you to keep kids away from them.

It is crucial that you pay proper attention to your safety whenever you handle electrical devices, cables or indeed anything related to electricity. 

Likewise, it is also pertinent to note that children are often curious, and a young and adventuring mind like theirs is undoubtedly yet to learn the dangers and potential hazards of electricity. It is, therefore, your responsibility as a parent, guardian or responsible adult to educate them on the several risks it poses and how they can avoid them.

Why it’s important for kids to understand electrical safety

Children that grow up in this day and age, do so in the presence of a myriad of electrical devices and tools.  It is therefore vital for kids to understand electrical safety because they may likely come in contact with electrical devices every day.

Depending on the age of the child, it might be challenging to explain how dangerous electricity can be. However, you can begin by explaining the simple and basic science of electricity to them. Here are some basics they might have to know first.

The relationship between the human body and electricity: Let the child know that water and metals are the best conductors of electricity. Since the human body contains a considerable percentage of water (60%), they could become carriers of electricity if they get exposed to cables, electrical outlets and appliances. Inform the child that this, in turn, can seriously hurt them. 

Similarly, they should also be made aware that touching wires or electrical appliances with wet hands or while standing in water is a no-no because it can cause them some burns or other forms of injuries. It is essential that they understand this, as you may not always be around to guide or caution them. Thus, a little education can go a long way.

Risk of playing with non-insulated appliances: Most electrical appliances have insulated cords that help in preventing electrical shocks. Let them know the importance of these insulated coverings and the fact that they must not touch these appliances if they are without these coverings. Teach them also to inform you or any other adult if they come across any naked wires or exposed electrical outlets.

Since kids can lose focus or get impatient quickly during ‘boring’ lessons such as these, let your instructions stick by doing the following: 

• Employ the use of visual aids such as cartoons, animated videos and diagrams to show them what they need to know about handling electrical appliances. 
• Also, do not assume that they will heed the first time you tell them. Repetitively tell them about the dos and don’ts of electricity.

Irrespective of teaching them what to do or what not to do with electrical appliances, you can take the following extra steps to make your home a safe haven for them.

Cords

• You should ensure that you keep electrical cords, whether used or unused beyond the reach of children. This is to prevent the child from yanking on cords or trying to tear off the insulation covers on them.
• Do not pinch or fold cords in windows, doors or furniture, as their insulation can wear off over time.
• Avoid the use of naked electrical cords with no plugs.
• From time to time, inspect electrical cords around your home for signs of damage like cracking or fraying.
• To avoid damage to the cord, hold the plug rather than the cord when unplugging an appliance from an electrical outlet.

Appliances

• You should keep dangerous devices out of the reach of little children. Ensure that tools and machinery that require high voltages are put out of their reach or properly isolated at all times.
• You should also replace any faulty appliances with new ones, or immediately take them out of service to reduce the risk of electrical shock. 
• Also, maintain reasonable spaces between your appliances to avoid cases of overheating which could ultimately lead to a fire outbreak. 
• Disconnect all appliances from an electrical socket when they are not in use.
• Also, avoid keeping drinks, water bottles or any liquid containing bottles close to or on electronic appliances like TV, stereos, gaming consoles, speakers and refrigerators, among others.

Safety

• To keep your kids safe, install safety caps on open sockets that are within your kid’s reach. This is because most kids tend to want to stick their fingers, objects or even tongues into an open socket. 
• You should also apply tapes over unused plug holes or cord holders.
• Avoid plugging in too many electrical lines into one extension box as this can lead to an electrical overload. 
• As much as possible, limit the exposure or contact that they have with any electrical sockets, cables or installation. This is especially important for younger children under ten.
• Ensure that your electrical appliances are correctly earthed to minimize the risk of electric shock.

Electricity, while extremely important, is dangerous when not managed, used or maintained correctly. To ensure that your kids do not become unfortunate victims of the ills of electricity, ensure you continue to educate them about the potential hazards of electricity, employing a simplified to a more advanced approach as they grow older. Also, kids are known to mimic the actions of the adults around them, so ensure that you set a good example by practicing what you preach.

Author: Hannah Antonio 

Byline: Hannah writes on various subjects related to electricity for Southland Electrical, an online retailer of circuit breakers and other electronic parts.