Posted on 16 July 2022

One of a parents’ highest priorities is to protect their children. One way to do this is by teaching them about safety around electricity in your own home.

“Children have a natural curiosity about the world around them,” says Amber Sabin, Safe Electricity Advisory Board member. “However, curiosity can lead to trouble if we don’t take an active role in educating them about potential dangers. Start teaching kids at an early age about electrical safety.”

Twelve-year-old Caitlyn Mackenzie was killed by household current when she touched a lamp while still damp after swimming in a pool. Her life may have been spared if the outdoor outlet that the lamp was connected to was equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

Teach children that water and electricity do not mix. Children should never play with or use electronics around water. Make sure GFCIs are installed anywhere electricity and water could meet to help prevent shocks. GFCIs detect and prevent dangerous situations where an electric shock could occur.

Inform kids that the only objects that go into outlets are electric plugs. Sticking other items in an electric socket can lead to an electric shock or death. As a parent, you can help prevent this by having tamper resistant outlets (TROs) installed. A TRO has a shutter system that only accepts electric plugs. Another option is to use simple outlet plugs, however these can be easily removed.

Tell children that electric cords should be left alone. A curious child may put a cord into his or her mouth and could potentially suffer an electric burn. Additionally, kids should be taught to never pull a plug out of the socket by the cord. This could damage the cord. It is a good idea to leave cords out of sight so children are not tempted to play with them.

Emphasize that electronics and their accessories have to be handled with care. Also advise kids to never stick fingers or objects into toasters or any other electrical appliance. Encourage younger children to ask for help when they want to use an electronic device.

“It’s a good idea to include utility emergency numbers with other posted emergency phone numbers and instruct children how to call for help in an emergency,” advises Sabin. “Hopefully, they will never have to use them, but it’s always best to be safe first, rather than sorry later.”

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