10 Rules for Electric Safety Every Kid Should Know

As the boys grow older, we feel it’s time to start teaching them more about safety, and the dangers around them. Electricity safety is probably the first thing on the agenda as many of the electrical sources around the house can be extremely dangerous, especially when little fingers go exploring!

Here is a run-down of 10 ways we intend to both, teach and protect the boys from potential harm:

1.     Don’t overload you plug outlets or extension cords

Plugging in too many appliances may cause a plug outlet to overheat and cause a fire. Even though there may be room for four plugs, stay safe and only use 2 or 3 at a time and ensure the electrical output won’t overload your sockets capacity.

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2.     Don’t pull an electrical cord from the wall

Pulling the electrical cord could cause damage to the plug outlet, whether minor or major, any damage could cause big issues. Now the boys are older (and messier), whipping the hoover around has become an almost daily occurrence. But with this comes the ‘fun’ game of tugging at the cord, something we teaching Teddy is dangerous.

3.     Make sure all electrical cords are neat and tidy, tucked away as much as possible.

Like most parents, you’ll know that prevention is key. Therefore hiding away electrical cords or securing them safely helps deter and avoid any temptation to play. This also helps prevent other safety issues like your toddler getting tangled in the cord.

4.     Ensure you don’t pull plugs out of wall sockets

With the boys we simply have a rule of not touching the plugs, whether the switch is off or not, it is not safe for the boys to have a go themselves, meaning they…

5.     Ask a grown up for help

Now Ted is talking (a lot!) we encourage him to ask as many questions as he likes and ask for our help. He is becoming very independent but ensuring we bring up the subject of safety is imperative, and that he knows he needs assistance. 

6.     Keep electrical items away from water

The majority of electrical accidents involve water. We give the boys closed cups for when they may get close to electrical appliances within the living room.

7.     Don’t climb fences situated around electrical power stations

Not before long the boys will no doubt enjoy playing ball games, but if a ball gets lost over the fence, we’ll be teaching the boys that the best thing to do is call the electric company and they will retrieve it for you. Climbing the fences and entering the premises is prohibited as it’s an extremely dangerous environment for the public, especially children.

8.     Don’t fly a kite close to power lines

Kites are fun, but they are also unpredictable. If a kite gets caught on a power line it can very quickly conduct electricity through the kite and cord, and right through you.

9.     Watch out for power lines when climbing trees

We’re some way off the boys going to climb trees but I’m sure before we know it he’ll be off exploring and doing just that. It is so important that children are aware of dangers like power lines lurking amongst tree branches, this element of surprise can be very dangerous, so it’s important to look properly before climbing a tree or only climb trees you know well!

10.   Put unused electrical equipment away, or replace safety cap where possible.

When not using a plug, we pop in a plug cover to avoid any little exploring fingers. Once we have unplugged an appliance we also put it away or tuck it away as the metal prongs are also dangerous.

It is important that both adults and kids understand and remember the importance of Electrical Safety Education, as an electrical contractor Sydney we see many examples of people (of all ages) not respecting these vital rules and therefore placing themselves and their families in danger.