Every parent knows that keeping their children’s tiny, curious hands away from electrical outlets and power strips is one of the biggest safety challenges… especially when those little explorers start crawling! They seem to have a knack for finding every socket in the house.
The good news is that you can childproof your home to outsmart those mischievous fingers. From outlet covers and safety caps to furniture anchors and cord camouflage, we’ve gathered the best tips and products to baby-proof your home’s electrical dangers.
There are fast, budget-friendly ways to lock down outlets and keep cords out of reach. We’ll also share smart strategies for safely managing those tangled power strip jungles behind TVs and entertainment centers. Because there’s nothing funny about a curious kid getting shocked or pulling something heavy down on themselves.
After reading this, you’ll have a solid plan for turning your electrical setup into a 100% child-safe zone. No more heart-stopping moments when you catch your little one trying to poke fingers or toys into outlets! Just the sweet relief of knowing they’re protected.
Childproofing Electrical Outlets
Keeping those outlets covered and inaccessible is priority number one when baby-proofing your home’s electrical setup. Here are some of the top options for locking down sockets and the pros and cons of each.
Outlet Covers
The classic solution, outlet covers come in a few different styles. The plug-in variety fits right into the socket openings with prongs or sliding plates that block access. Alternatively, you can get covers that install over the entire outlet with a hinged lid.
Installation is usually as simple as snapping or screwing them into place. Just be sure to double-check they’re securely fastened so little fingers can’t pry them loose. One pro is they’re an affordable way to quickly cover a lot of outlets. The potential downside is some styles can be knocked out by determined tots.
Tamper-Resistant Outlets
These special outlets have a smart shutter system that only opens when two prongs are being inserted at the same time, like from a plug. So little fingers alone can’t access the contact points.
Installing tamper-resistant outlets usually requires some basic wiring skills, so you may want to hire an electrician. But they offer great long-term protection as your child grows. The shutters automatically re-cover the openings to prevent shocks or objects being stuffed inside.
Box Covers
In high-traffic areas where you’re frequently unplugging and re-plugging devices, box covers can be a convenient option. These install over the entire outlet box with openings to thread cords through while the outlets themselves stay covered.
Just be sure to properly secure box covers to the wall or outlet box itself so they can’t be easily removed. They offer good protection while still allowing access for plugging in electronics when needed.
Between these different outlet covering solutions, you should be able to find an option that fits your home and childproofing needs. Don’t forget to also secure any loose cords out of reach!
Keeping Power Strips Out of Reach
Here’s how to keep those power strips and cords away from curious little hands:
Power Strip Covers
Just like there are outlet covers, there are also different covers made specifically for power strips. Some let you thread the cords through little openings while blocking access to the actual outlets. Others fully enclose the whole strip inside a protective case.
To install them, you just need to slide the cover over the power strip and secure any cord openings. To make sure that determined kids can’t easily pry off the covers, you can choose those that lock into place or those that can be securely screwed into the wall.
Positioning Power Strips Strategically
If covers aren’t an option you want to go with, then positioning the power strips where kids can’t reach is crucial. Mount them up high on walls or tuck them behind large, heavy furniture pieces that little ones can’t move. Installing them on shelves way above floor level works too.
And don’t forget about wrangling those dangling cords – use cord covers, zip ties, tape, or whatever you need to keep them neat and out of the way so kids can’t get tangled up and pull things crashing down.
Smart Power Strips
For an extra safety measure, you might want to consider getting some smart power strips with remote controls or timer functions. That way you can cut all power to the outlets when they aren’t needed, eliminating any shock risks.
Some smart strip models also have built-in child tamper resistance like outlets that automatically shut off if a little object gets stuck in them. The smart controls help limit opportunities for your little explorers to access any live electricity.
You’ve got plenty of options to childproof your power sources while still allowing access when you need it. Just take some time to explore and implement the solutions that make most sense for your home!
Additional Safety Tips
Even with all the proper childproofing gear in place, it’s still crucial to take some extra precautions around electrical outlets and power sources. Here are some additional tips to keep your kiddos fully protected.
Regular Inspections
After installing covers or positioning strips out of reach, it’s easy to completely forget about them. However, you should still make regular inspections a habit. Frequently check outlets and power strips for any damage, wear-and-tear, or loose covers that need tightening or replacing. Also keep an eye out for frayed cords, cracked casings, or other potential hazards that need attention.
Educating the Kids
Depending on how old your children are, you should educate them to be careful around power outlets and strips. For the toddler set, you can just set simple rules like “Don’t touch outlets” or “Only parents can plug things in”. With preschoolers, you can use role-playing with dolls or stuffed animals to demonstrate proper electrical safety do’s and don’ts. The more they understand, the more you can teach them about how electricity actually works.
Supervision is Key
You can never be too cautious when little ones are around outlets and power sources. Make a habit of keeping very close supervision anytime your child is in a room with accessible electrical components. And consider designating specific child play areas that are completely free of outlets, cords, or other electrical hazards for the safest playtime possible.
Aside from childproofing gear, you can add extra layers of protection through regular inspections, age-appropriate lessons, and vigilant supervision. With some added diligence, you can help prevent accidents before they ever happen.
What to Do in an Emergency
Accidents can still happen when little ones are involved even if you have been very careful. Knowing how to recognize and respond to electrical injuries could be critical. Here’s what to watch for and do if the worst occurs.
Recognizing Electrical Injuries
The symptoms of an electrical injury can range from minor to severe and life-threatening. Look for burns around the mouth, hands, or other areas that may have come into contact with an electrical source. Muscle spasms, numbness, and unconsciousness are also potential signs of a serious shock or electrocution event.
Immediate Actions
If you think your child has suffered an electrical injury, don’t just grab them right away. If they are still in contact with electricity, you should take a few safety precautions first to avoid further accidents. Never grab them with your bare hands. You can turn off the power source at the circuit breaker before attempting to touch or move your child. Or you can use a non-conductive object to separate them from the power source.
Once your child is free from the electrical danger, check for breathing, pulse, and other signs of life. You may need to begin CPR while waiting for emergency responders. It’s always best to seek immediate medical evaluation, no matter how minor an electrical injury may seem. Burns and internal injuries are not always outwardly visible.
Recognizing the warning signs and taking fast, safety-conscious action can make all the difference. When in any doubt at all, calling 911 right away is the smartest response. It’s better to be overly cautious than risk a life-threatening situation.
Tiny Hands, Big Shocks – Let’s Childproof That Electrical Stuff!
Okay, listen up parents and caregivers! You’ve now got the full playbook on turning your home into an electrical safety playground for those curious little explorers. From locking down outlets to hiding power strip dangers and knowing exactly what to do in shocking situations – it’s all covered in detail.
But you don’t need to tackle this whole crucial childproofing mission alone. That’s where your buddies at Bassett Services come in! We know all the insider tricks for creating a worry-free, baby-safe zone customized just for your family’s needs. We’ll make sure every last outlet, cord, and power source gets the full childproofing treatment to keep those tiny troublemaking hands out for good.
So skip the DIY stress and call us at (317) 360-0054 your consultation today. With Bassett’s childproofing experts on duty, you can kick back and enjoy some sweet, sweet peace of mind knowing those electrical dangers are on lockdown!
