As a parent, you're always looking for ways to protect your kids from danger. As such, teaching your kids about electrical safety in the home is one of the most important steps you can take as a parent. Because they are naturally curious, they’re likely to reach for items they shouldn’t touch or fiddle with unfamiliar objects just to satisfy their interest. Help them learn how to protect themselves and avoid an emergency visit from a residential electrician by following these tips.

A Guide to Electrical Safety for Children

1. Electronics and Water Do Not Mix

When an electrical current comes in contact with water, it can start a fire and poses a risk of electrocution. For this reason, it's essential that your children keep electronics out of the bathroom and kitchen. Others in the family should also avoid leaving electrical items in a place where a child may pick them up and get near water. Teach them to tell an adult immediately if something falls in the water, and instruct them never to touch electric items if they’re wet.

2. Avoid Playing With Power Sockets

Children are often drawn to electrical sockets. They may try to insert something into the outlet or attempt to press their fingers inside. They might even try to experiment by plugging items into outlets and tugging on electrical cords around the house. However, playing with outlets poses a risk of electric shocks and presents a fire hazard. Instruct your child to avoid touching anything in the vicinity of the outlet, from the plate to the cords. While you don’t want to scare them, you do want to ensure that they know it can be harmful. 

3. Never Use Too Many Plugs

If your child is charging their smartphone, tablet, and other devices, they may not realize that doing so in one outlet could demand more energy than the circuit can provide. This may cause the circuit to overheat, which poses a serious fire and safety hazard. Teach your child to limit each outlet to one or two items, and remind them to use other outlets to minimize strain on your household circuits.

Keep your home electrical system safe for everyone in your household with help from the team of residential electricians at Bonham Electric Inc. Having proudly served clients throughout Dayton, OH, since 1959, this highly regarded business provides a range of services to ensure your electrical system runs efficiently year-round. They even offer 24-hour emergency service when you need them the most. Visit the website for more information, or call (937) 233-7662 to schedule an appointment with a residential electrician.