Keeping your home safe from electrical hazards is an important job that requires knowledge and diligence. Electrical safety inside the home is a critical part of staying safe and preventing property damage, injuries, and even death. It’s important to become familiar with the basics of electrical safety, including identifying common hazards and taking steps to prevent them. Electrical safety inside your home is necessary to ensure that your family is safe and protected, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and how to protect yourself, your family, and your home. Knowing the basics of electrical safety can help you avoid dangerous and costly mistakes, and can help keep your family safe.

In order to keep children safe, they must be aware of the electrical dangers that could be found in your home. These hazards could include accessible outlets, electrical cords, appliances, and water, which are all sources of potential risk.

Electrical Connections (Plugs) and Outlets

Electrical connections, also referred to as plugs, are components of a wiring system used for providing power. They are designed to make a secure connection between an electrical device and a power source. Plugs come in various shapes and sizes and are designed to fit into certain types of outlets. Each plug is wired differently, so it is important to make sure the plug matches the outlet it is being plugged into. Outlets and plugs are crucial components of any electrical system.

• Teach children not to keep their fingers, toys, and other items away from electric outlets

• Teach children not to touch light bulbs when they're on (ouch!) or off

• Don't overload an outlet by plugging in too many appliances

• Supervise your children when unplugging or plugging in appliances

• Fix outlets and plugs that are not functioning properly

Cords & Wires

Electrical Cords and wires provide an electrical connection between two points. This type of connection is common for many devices, such as computers, phones, and other electronics. However, they can also be used for other purposes, such as connecting speakers to stereos or connecting power supplies to other devices. In any case, wires and cords are an essential part of many electrical systems and are used to create the necessary connections.

• Children should not be allowed to play with or put their mouths on any electrical cords

• Don't pull on the middle of a cord to disconnect it from an outlet. Use the base of the plug.

• If any wires are exposed or the cord is damaged, it should be repaired or replaced. Never plug in a cord that is damaged or has exposed wires.

Home Electronics (Appliances)

Household electronic items are often referred to as appliances. They are a part of everyday life and come in many shapes and sizes. From the television and refrigerator to the washing machine and dishwasher, these items provide convenience and efficiency to our lives. They also need electricity.

• Teach children not to put their fingers, toys, or any other objects into a household appliance, regardless of whether it is turned off or unplugged

• Teach children to stay away from any electrical appliances if they are wet and to keep water or other liquid away from them

• Keep electric space heaters away from items that can easily catch fire such as curtains, bedsheets, and laundry

• Always disconnect an appliance when you are cleaning it

Water

Water, of course, is an essential component for all living organisms, and it is vital for sustaining life on Earth. It's a fundamental part of the natural world, playing an important role in the hydrologic cycle, providing food, transportation and recreation. However, water and electricity are not friends. Water is an excellent conductor, so if you touch it and electricity at the same time you will get shocked. These tips will help keep you safe around water:

• When storing or transporting liquids near electronics, it is important to be careful to prevent any accidental spills;

• Appliances should not be used close to sinks, bathtubs, showers, or any other source of water;

• Electrical cords and plugs should be kept away from areas with water;

• When wet, it is important to be aware and refrain from touching electrical components such as switches, cords, outlets, and appliances.

More Tips to Keep Your Family Safe:

• Electrical hazards may not be immediately obvious, so conduct regular safety inspections to identify potential dangers.

• Child-proof your outlets.

• Consider replacing any two-prong outlets in your home. While common in the past, they cannot be grounded, thereby increasing the risk of shock, appliance and system damage, and even fire. Check to see if you have any two-prong outlets and contact a licensed professional for repair and service.

• Be aware of cords and wires. Tucking them behind furniture can help reduce the risk of tripping or being shocked. You can also use a hide-a-cord device or have wiring placed inside of walls.

• Unplug any appliances and power strips when not in use.

• Store electronics away from the reach of children.

• If the wiring in your home is outdated, replace it as soon as possible to avoid fire hazards. Keep track of when it is time to have it replaced and contact a licensed professional.

• Continuously check for water leaks around household appliances and deal with them immediately.

Educating children about electricity and how to use it safely is a must for protecting them and making sure homes are safe. Homeowners should also recognize their own limitations when it comes to electrical components and their home's electrical system. Working with electricity can be hazardous. If you have any electrical troubles or intend to improve your current system please contact a licensed professional like us to help you out.