Tips for Electrical Safety and More
September is Baby Safety Month
We want to share childproofing and home safety tips to prevent injuries in your home. The following electrical safety guidelines will help maximize child safety in the home.
Our human body is about 60% water, which makes us a good conductor of electricity. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) stated that each day nearly seven children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for electrical shock or burn injuries caused by tampering with a wall outlet. Keys, coins are among favorite things children poke into electrical outlets, because why not?
Fear not! Fortunately, there are many solutions to fixing and baby-proofing your home so no accidents happen and you can provide a safer environment for your children.
Empty electrical outlets
For the already installed outlets with no tamper resistance, babies can poke their little fingers inside. For this, you need to get a solution that will prevent them from getting shocked! Simply place electrical outlet caps. These covers are made of plastic and plug directly to the outlet. They are the cheapest solution.
Tamper-resistant receptacles
The 2014 National Electrical Code now requires new and renovated dwellings to have tamper resistant receptacles. These Leviton receptacles have spring-loaded shutters that close off the openings to the contact, or slots, of the receptacles. When a plug is inserted into the receptacle, both springs are compressed, and then shutters open, allowing for the metal prongs to make contact to create the electrical circuit.
Since both springs must be compressed at the same time, the shutters do not open when children attempt to insert objects into the openings, so there’s no contact with electricity. These tamper-resistant receptacles are essential for making homes safer place for children.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
When was the last time you checked your smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and alarm? Installing these Nest detectors will save you and your baby’s life. Detectors should be installed in every floor of the house, tested monthly, and make sure batteries are changed regularly. It’s always important to have a safety evacuation plan in mind should any emergency arise.
In September 2015, the National Fire Protection Association reported that three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (38%) or no working smoke alarms (21%).
Night light outlets
For extra safety, the night light outlets are the best way to go. They’re great for hallways – providing just enough light to illuminate and prevent tripping. The sensor automatically turns the LED light on in the dark and provides a long-lasting life. Pass & Seymour night lights are easy to install and have built-in protection that’s always there.
Bolt down your furniture
Secure your large furniture to the wall to ensure safety. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that a child dies every two weeks and a child is injured every 24 minutes in the U.S. from furniture or TVs tipping over. Protect your child and take simple, low-cost steps to secure and anchor your furniture, TVs, and appliances!
Dyson air purifiers
Combat dry air and help remove bacteria and allergies from the air of your child’s room. The Dyson humidifier uses ultraviolet cleanse technology to kill 99.9 % of bacteria, including E. coli, before any moisture leaves the machine. The Dyson humidifier also works as a fan without blades and it’s safe for toddlers. If it’s knocked over, it cuts out automatically. And the quick-release cable prevents unwanted accidents.
Always take steps to provide a safe environment for your children. If you have any electrical safety or other tips you’d like to point out, please write it in the comments below!