Kids are naturally curious and love to explore the world. While this awakens their inner scientist, it also works against us by making the entire household a potential accident zone. Unfortunately, such accidents around the house are quite common, and while most parents attempt to childproof their house, there is always something we miss.
One of the riskiest things that need to be childproofed is electrical outlets. To keep our children safe, we need to ensure there aren’t any exposed electrical outlets around the house that they can reach.
To help you with ways to protect your little ones from potential dangers associated with electrical outlets, we asked the experts to share their advice;
Sliding Covers
Many people use plastic caps to cover pronged outlets, but those are actually pretty easy for toddlers to remove, so I would recommend sliding outlet covers instead. These covers automatically cover the outlet when not in use and are proven to be much safer for children. If you have outlets that are not frequently in use, I would recommend simply getting shields that cover the entire surface.
Another point of concern is power strips, but luckily there are power strip covers that can protect children from accessing or being hurt by any part of the strip.
Brian Donovan, CEO Timeshatter
Outlet Covers
High-voltage appliances obviously draw a great deal of power. A shock conducted from a plug or outlet of that voltage could instantly stop the heart of a small child. It’s important to prevent injury and worse, and fortunately, you can do so with some simple items. Outlet covers are the most useful. Toddlers love to get into everything, so childproof outlet covers will prevent them from sticking their fingers in the outlet.
Power strips and plug covers are also useful. I recommend keeping the electrical tape in your arsenal, too. If you notice fraying of any cord, immediately tape it up while you look for a replacement.
Christen Costa, CEO Gadget Review
Transfer Appliances To Hard To Reach Places
We had to move any appliances that could be easily reached by our tabby (in between baby and toddler phase kid). It was a little bit of a hassle as we also had to find cord extensions and shift more things around in the house, but safety was our ultimate priority, so we didn’t really mind doing it.
Cover Electrical Sockets
We used a socket cover for some, but for most, we had this sort of narrow coffee table with a shelf underneath. We placed a lot of toys on top as a distraction, then some boxes for the separate shelf, and finally covered the shelf underneath it with a cat mesh. We made sure that it was secured around the shelf so our tabby then wouldn’t be able to pull it off.
Julie Ann Ensomo, adaptablemama.com
Hide Your Outlets
The first thing to do is to always hide your outlets, power strips, and cords as best as you can so that they are out of reach for children. But, you won’t be able to hide everything, so you will have to find covers and other protection for anything left exposed.
Many use basic plug caps for their outlets, but those are actually easy for kids to remove, so consider buying ones with smart locking technology. For any outlets that are exposed and in use, use outlet covers to encapsulate the entire outlet and what is plugged into it.
Andre Kazimierski, CEO Improovy
Outlet Plugs With Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
The best way to childproof High Voltage Appliances is to install outlet plugs with tamper-resistant receptacles so children can’t chew on the receptacle. Plug some high voltage appliances out of reach.
Many have inaccessible outlets, but for those that don’t, you can purchase inexpensive plastic or metal covers at your local hardware store that cover both the outlet and access to electrical cords leading into it (that way, kids won’t be able to use the cable like a rope).
Mo Mulla, Founder Parental Questions
Safety Plugs
Children are extremely curious creatures who love to stick objects into electrical outlets and play with power plugs and leads. It is important to make sure that you protect them from the electrical dangers in your home.
Safety plugs can be used to fill any empty electrical outlets. They are easy for adults to place into the socket and remove when needed. Another option is an electrical outlet safety cover that prevents the child from pulling out the plugs and turning the switches on or off. These are bulkier than the safety plugs, but the major benefit lies in the ability to continue to use the outlets while the cover is in place.
Randall Williams is the Founder of Aegis Safe, a fire safety service company. He specializes in building and fire safety services.
Dennis has been a professional security consultant space based out of Chapel Hill for over 15 years. His experience runs the gamut between government and private organizations (specifically in the finance and insurance sector) with a specialty in consulting for executive and high-value protection surrounding Kidnap and Ransom mitigation.
