Whether you’ve recently welcomed your first baby, or already have a full house, it’s vital to keep your home electrically safe for the little ones. Unintentional injury is one of the top killers of children in the United States, but prevention can eliminate almost all of these injuries.
Kissimmee Utility reminds you to take proper safety measures and childproofing steps to keep your family safe at home:
Each year, approximately 2,400 children suffer severe shock and burns when they stick items into the slots of electrical receptacles – that is nearly seven children a day. Cover unused electrical outlets with outlet protectors or safety caps, or consider the installation of Tamper Resistant Receptacles.· Make sure outlets in the bathroom and kitchen — or near any water source — are updated with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which turn off electricity if appliances fall into water.
If you’re temporarily using extension cords, hide them behind furniture or use a hide-a-cord device. You can also put electrical tape over unused plug holes on cords.
Install anti-scalding devices on faucets and shower heads to prevent burns. Also, set the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees. It takes just three seconds for a child to sustain a third-degree burn from water at 140 degrees.
Store bathroom and kitchen electrical appliances – like hair dryers and toasters – out of reach of children.
Repair or discard any damaged appliances or electrical cords.
Teach children to respect electricity as early as possible.
Being electrically safe isn’t difficult but it does take time to keep you and your family safe!