September is Baby Safety Month – and a great time to make sure your home is keeping your little one(s) safe from any electrical hazards. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your safety, comfort, and peace of mind. If you have a curious little one roaming around, consider these 5 electrical safety tips when you babyproof your home.
1. Use Covers
It’s important you use protective covers wherever possible! Babies and toddlers can experience electric shock from poking things like metal utensils into unprotected outlets – or chewing on a wire. That’s why using electrical outlet caps or power strip covers are one of the most effective ways to babyproof your home. Also, if you do happen to notice any damaged wires, you should have them repaired right away. Damaged wires pose a fire hazard, which could lead to electrocution.
2. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Do you remember the last time you checked your smoke alarm or CO detector? In case of emergency, it is always good to make sure they are working to keep you – and your baby – safe from potential fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Smoke alarms and CO detectors are the first line of defense in alerting you of a dangerous situation. Making sure both work properly is absolutely essential.
3. Hide Electrical Devices
Babies get curious, and want to grab everything in sight! Not only that, but they take any chance they get to put things in their mouth. Just like you’d keep your cleaning products locked away and out of reach, make sure you do the same thing with electrical devices. Items like hairdryers, hair styling products, kitchen appliances, and more should be kept out of reach of small children – no matter their age.
4. Secure Your Electrical Cords and Plugs
We all know that little ones love to grab and pull on things! However, constantly pulling on electrical cords can eventually expose the metal insides, which could carry an electrical charge. It’s best to make sure you are securing your cords to the wall. This will prevent your kiddo from pulling on them. You can do this by taping the cords to the floor or getting duct cord covers. Another option is to also look into moving furniture in front of outlets so your little one can’t access the cords at all.
5. Have GFCI Outlets Installed
GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupters) are necessary in every home. You should have them installed in any area of your house where there’s a chance of electricity and water mixing, like your bathroom and kitchen. They really decrease the risk of electrocution. In the event your baby has an accident with water and electricity, a GFCI outlet is designed to detect possible electric shock and cut off power before injury can occur. It’s a lifesaver.
Wanting To Babyproof Your Home? Contact The Pros at Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric For All Your Electrical Needs In Tampa, FL And Surrounding Areas
If you’re looking to babyproof your home, we hope you found these electrical tips helpful. Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric is here to help with all your electrical needs. You can call Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric at (813) 530-9061 or contact us online here to schedule your appointment today.
