Electrical Safety and Childproofing Measures for Your Home

Hidden and Not-So-Hidden Dangers of Electricity in the Home

Awareness is Key!

The natural curiosity of children can lead to harm if you do not childproof your home for electrical safety and teach them the basics about the power of electricity and the potential dangers it holds.

As many as 2.5 million children are injured or hurt by hazards within their own home each year.

Child Safety in the Home
Child Safety in the Home

The O’Grady Companies, your Frederick County, MD electrical contractor company, cares about you and your family; sharing helpful electrical safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

Keep in Mind

  • Electricity flows through water easily. Since our bodies are 70 percent water, electricity can travel through your bodies.
  • Power cords and appliances can be as dangerous as electrical power lines if proper safety precautions are not followed.
  • Electricity has the power to cause shocks, burns, and be deadly.

Outlets

  • Be sure to block unused outlets by using childproof caps and changing to solid cover plates.
  • Do not place any object other than the appropriate size plug into an outlet.
  • Never overload outlets with multiple adaptors or power strips. Simply relocate cords instead.
  • Never pull an electric plug out of the wall outlet by yanking on the electric cord.
    Never stick fingers or any other objects into an electrical outlet or light bulb socket.
    Worn, frayed or damaged electrical cord should be unplugged, discarded, and removed from reach.

Appliances

Electric Appliance
  • Unplug kitchen and other appliances and stow cords safely away from reach of pets and young children.
  • Never place any electrical appliance near water such as sinks, bathtubs, pools, or jacuzzis.
  • Electrical appliances should never be operated with hands that are wet or while standing in water.
  • Unplug an electrical appliance prior to cleaning it.
  • Be sure to keep any flammable or potentially combustible materials  (clothes, curtains, toys, etc.) at bay from radiators, space heaters, heating vents, and other heat sources.

Safety Outdoors

  • Do not try and get an item that is stuck or tangled in a power line – call the power company.
  • Never climb utility poles.
  • If there is a fallen electrical wire, stay away from it. Call the power company to report the downed wire or call 911.
  • Call 911 immediately when an object or person is in contact or touching a wire that is down.
  • Take extra care when carrying a ladder or pool skimmer to avoid touching overhead electrical wires.
  • Never climb trees that are near power lines or have power lines running through them.
  • Steer clear of any power lines when flying a kite or carrying Mylar or helium-filled balloons on strings.
  • Never throw objects at or onto electric power lines.
  • If a friend, family member or pet is in contact with a downed electrical line or any type of electrical equipment, call 911 immediately.
  • Never go swimming during an electrical storm.
  • Do not fly model airplanes or any remote-controlled toys near overhead power lines. Play with these in open fields or park areas.
  • If you are operating an electrical tool, using an electrical appliance or playing with an electrical toy outside, stay at least 10 feet away from any wet surface or pool area.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about the electrical safety of your home, give the best electricians near you a call. We’ll be happy to answer or come out for a home inspection to ensure all your electric and wiring is up to code and there are no hidden dangers.

You can never be too cautious when it comes to electrical safety and awareness. Just reviewing these points can potentially stop an accident or save a life.