Parents from previous generations may say that our current generation of parents goes a little overboard when it comes to child safety. After all, car seats, sharp edge protectors, and plastic socket plugs were non-existent back in the day. But accidents do happen. And when it comes to electrical accidents, many things can happen. According to healthychildren.org, electrical injuries can range from minimal and severe multi-organ injuries to death.

Why even take a chance, especially with children in your home who may not be aware of the dangers of electricity? To keep your kids safe from shocks and electrocution, start with these electrical safety lessons from John Moore.

Train Little Ones to Stay Away From Electrical Sockets and Cords

Even with the best electrical mechanisms and childproofing measures in place, you should still train your little ones to stay away from any electrical dangers. Once your kids begin to crawl and explore, you can begin training them to stay away from electrical sockets. Monitor them so you can catch them in the act of fiddling with a cord or socket. Firmly tell them, “No!” and redirect them elsewhere.

Explain Why Electrical Sockets and Cords are Dangerous

Once your child turns four or five, they will begin to understand when you explain why they should stay away from cords and sockets. Tell them they can get hurt or even die. As harsh as that may sound, it is the reality of electrical safety. Tell them never to put anything into electrical sockets. If they need to plug anything in, they should always ask an adult for permission. They should never pull or yank on electrical cords. As a side note for parents, plugging in too many appliances into one socket can cause power surges that lead to broken electronics and electrical hazards.

Teach Your Kids to Keep Electrical Devices Far Away From Water

Many electrical accidents that occur in the home are caused by using electricity near water sources like sinks, baths, and toilets. Explain to your kids how electricity and water is a dangerous combination. Electrical devices like hair dryers, curling irons, toaster ovens, and even mobile devices that fall into or even touch water can lead to electrocution.

Tell your children to alert an adult if a device or appliance falls into water. They should also never put their hands on electric cords or light switches while their hands are wet or while they are standing in the water. Doing so can lead to shock or electrocution.

Power tools and other electronics should also be kept away swimming pools, puddles, sprinklers, and any other water sources. If there’s a thunderstorm, remind your kids to steer clear of puddles and go indoors as soon as possible.

Stay Far Away From Fallen Wires, Broken Wires, and Sparks

Teach your kids to stay far away from broken power lines, fallen wires, broken wires, and sparks. Even if they don’t see sparks, broken or fallen wires may still be active and dangerous. They should also avoid flying kites, climbing trees, or building tree houses near power lines.

Call 911 if They See Fallen Wires or if Someone is Injured

When your kids are old enough to understand how to use a phone, teach them to dial 911 right away if they see an electrical fire or if someone is injured from electrical shock.

Finally, parents, don’t use water to put out an electrical fire. Dry chemical fire extinguishers are the most effective way to put out an electrical fire.

To install childproof sockets or whole home surge protection, call John Moore’s licensed electricians. To learn more about how John Moore Services can help, call us at (713) 730-2525 or contact us online!