Sharing 5 ways to keep children safe from electrical injury in the home because prevention is the best way to avoid injury. We all want our homes to be an electrical safe-zone for kids throughout their childhood. Because electrical safety has different milestones: moving babies, curious toddlers, little kids who think they are big enough, and teens who charge all the things. Here are 5 ways to keep children safe from electrical injury in the home which might make your life a little easier…
5 ways to keep children safe from electrical injury in the home
The majority of Ontarians say they have been shocked. And although people may brush off a little zap from a toaster or a buzz from an outlet, research shows that even low-voltage shocks can have serious long-term after effects. The reality is that all shocks are preventable.
- Small kids often want to explore new things by putting them in their mouths. Keep cords away from little hands and mouths.
- Install tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles to protect younger children from shocks. They have shutters that cover the plug slots and help prevent little fingers or objects from going into the outlet. I still have “baby plugs” on my unused outlets…because you never know when a friend with a baby might drop by.
- For children under 15 years old, the majority of electrical injuries happen at home. Prevent small fingers and hands from getting shocked or burned by replacing frayed cords, replacing missing or broken outlet covers and keeping little hands from plugging and unplugging things until they are old enough to understand the dangers.
- Teach older children how to plug in and unplug safely. When it’s time to unplug, don’t yank cords from the wall. This can damage the appliance, the cord and the outlet.
- Water and electricity can be a lethal mix. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)—the ones with the reset button—in any room with water (ie. bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms) to help protect from a shock.
For more information visit: www.esasafe.com/nosafeshock
GIVEAWAY!
Note: the following giveaway is open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec.
Share how you keep your kids safe for a chance to win a $50 home improvement store gift card! You can use the gift card for replacing cords and buying outlet covers, as explained in this post, to ensure your home is electrically safe.
Enter via the form below.
Disclosure: This post is in partnership with the Electrical Safety Authority.
SHIRLEY says
Check electrical cords for damage or fraying. If a cord is frayed, replace it. Tape doesn’t protect from shock.
Orna Soref says
the same
Amy Heffernan says
I have always kept my son informed about electric items and how powerful they are!
Stephen Gordon says
Make sure outlets are pluged with stoppers and loose cords are wrapped up.
Ryan says
Or update your recepticals to tamper resistant models, they have stoppers built in.
joanne darrell says
I used stoppers for electric outlets.
Deborah C says
I educate them about any potential dangers from dealing with electrical outlets, appliances etc.
jemrah1 says
to educate that cords, electricity and water don’t mix — to be careful with blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons, in the bathroom.
Tainan Lu (@demon1102) says
I have always kept my son informed about the dangerous of electric items
Wendy Jensen says
I use the stoppers for the plugs and also tell the children the dangers of electricity.
Carole D says
I always kept my children well informed about the danger of electricity and I used stoppers for electric outlets.
kathy downey says
We use tamper resistant receptacles in our home to keep little fingers safe!
Janet M says
We use stoppers on all the plugs and spend time educating the children about the dangers of electricity and how to be respectful of its power.
Wendy Hutton says
I make sure all electrical outlets have safety plugs in them, an cords are always kept behind shelves/ appliances and teach them it nothing to play with
krisha4444 says
we use outlet covers on all the outlets, we never leave cords out or any appliances or tools that plug in
Krista Miller (@MillerKrazy) says
Using child proof outlet caps to keep the kids safe!
julielaura1 says
We have covers for our outlets and keep all our cords tucked out of the way!
Jonnie says
We keep outlets covered and cords hidden away from the little ones. As the kids get older we teach them how to plug in and unplug properly.
LILLIAN BROWN says
We always used the stoppers for the outlets and were very carefully if we used an extension cord
Florence Cochrane says
I use plugs in the outlets that are not use. We also use surge protector and safe cords.
ruth moreira-lozon says
we use surge protectors, and as much as possible tend to block outlets with furniture. We also educate our kids about the dangers of electric shocks.
Sandra McG says
we use the plug stoppers, but also started at a very early age letting the kids know what is not to be played with and the reasons why…..we want to keep them around forever!!
SweetPanda says
We have surge protectors at home and we often remind our kids not to go near or touch any of the power outlet since it will be dangerous
Robyn Bellefleur says
We put plug covers in outlets we are not using and keep wires as neat as possible and ensure that the wires are intact.
Alison Braidwood says
We use child-proof covers on the outlets, and try to make sure cords are bundled out of the way.
Catherine Brown says
Keep plugs covered, keep wires hidden or tapped to the wall.
hmrcarlson says
We keep wires behind furniture/taped to the wall, cover electrical sockets, use power bars and teach our kids about being careful around plugs and wires.
Heather Ritz says
cover electrical sockets
Carol Ann Westbrook says
Educate children early about the dangers of sticking anything into an outlet. Always use outlet covers. Check cords for fraying or other damage, Do not overload electrical cords/outlets. Make sure hair dryers, curling irons or radios are not near water in a bathroom. When I was 2, a little boy my age stuck a fork into an outlet and was electrocuted. My parents were extra careful with anything electrical.
NormaJane says
I love those safety kits you can get in baby sections of stores. Plugs for the plugs in etc. I also am very careful in the kitchen using those appliances and having the cord hang down. Too easy for little hands to grab & pull 🙁
Michelle W says
We use outlet covers on all the outlets, and never leave cords out for little hands to reach!
angie andrews says
i talk to my kids and let them know the dangers and I have the covers on the outlets
Heather Lynne says
We have used those little finger blocking covers and tried to teach them about the dangers.
jan says
I hadn’t realized that no shocks are safe, even those little ones. I plan on getting a humidifier so our house isn’t so dry in winter.
Pam says
I use PROPER power bars.
Debbie White Beattie says
I make sure outlets are covered and cords are out of reach so kids can’t get at them
MaryG says
Keep cords tied up and out of reach and plugs covered!
Jenness M says
We use stoppers on outlets and nothing with cords is allowed in the bathroom.
M says
We use stoppers on the outlets
Jenny Major says
Make sure outlets are pluged with stoppers
Dave says
Don’t use extension cords and keep outlets covered.
Carol M says
Keeping plugs covered
Erika Letson says
I keep cords out of their reach and block all the outlets!
Jolie says
When my daughters were little I always made sure that the outlets were blocked and always talked to them about the dangers.
tammy ta says
In our home we use stoppers for electric outlets.
Tina L. says
We used stoppers for the outlets and make sure cords are out of the way.
Lori a Galbraith says
We used child safety covers for all our outlets. We also kept our visible cords to a minimum, watched our children closely and educated them when they were old enough on the dangers.
binabugged says
We made sure we bought those kits where you put the plastic things into the plugs.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
When my kids were young I had child-proof covers on all electrical outlets, cords were hidden wherever possible. As they got older I then taught them of the dangers of electricity. This obviously didn’t happen with one of my son-in-laws as my daughter caught him fishing around in the toaster with a fork!
lisa bolduc says
if my son wants something plugged in we will air with him and show him how to properly do it
Nicolthepickle (@Nicolthepickle) says
I unplug any small appliance cords that my baby can reach.
julielaura1 says
Do not pull plugs out of the sockets using the cord!
Carol Denny says
When my kids were little I used covers on all my outlets and mow with grandkids I am useing them again.
Judy Cowan says
We use plug covers and keep cords up out of reach of little hands.
Tara Betterley says
When my kids were younger I kept plug covers on the outlets and I tried to keep the electrical cords our of their reach.
Sunshine G says
We explain what electricity does whenever we pass a power box.
Nicole Jubleew says
We use stoppers in outlets close to the ground and make sure everyone is aware of the dangers of electricity.
Melinda Jana (@Sukki24) says
we cover the electrical outlets
lyndac1968 says
Keep cords and plugs covered and teach them early that they do not touch!
Juliee Fitze says
I keep the cords hid behind the tv and tables so the young ones can’t get them.
Amanda I says
We use plug covers and keep cords up out of reach of little hands and “paws” 🙂
Sarah says
We try to make sure our kids understand how dangerous electricity is and keep our electrical items in safe condition.
Jennifer P. says
We have babyproofing plugs in all our empty sockets, and we use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters in our bathrooms. My older daughter has been shown how to plug and unplug safely.
Erin N says
I think the best way to protect your kids is to educate them! There isn’t always going to be safety measures in place – let them know how to be safe, everywhere!
Linda H says
I have coverings over the electrical outlets.
Allie f says
We use stoppers in all plugs and cover electrical outlets!
Josee B says
Childproof the outlets with stoppers and keep chords out of reach
Gillian Morgan says
We have covers on all electrical outlets.
josephine evans says
We have little outlet covers and we keep the cords out of the way and together.
Colleen Lanin says
Electricity is just as dangerous as fire – more so, in my opinion. There are so many opportunities for children to get into electrical emergencies. They need to understand the dangers of electricity as much s fire.
reesa says
So I have a confession. Electrical injury is something that scares the daylights out of me!
Rosanne Robinson says
When our daughter was a toddler we had plug covers, & kept the cords tied up. We continuously check and ensure all of our cords and plugs are in good condition before plugging into the sockets.
Cyn Gagen says
These are such important tips. I really like the idea of just keeping the outlet covers all the time – whether you currently have little ones or not.
Melinda says
We use outlet covers for all the electrical outlets in our home.
Glogirl says
We try to keep electrical covers on our outlets to prevent injury.
Kelly Hutchinson (@KickingWKelly) says
When my kids were little, I was always worried about them getting an electrical injury. Thank you for these ways to keep them safe from that happening.
Serena Debolt says
We cover all electrical outlets and keep all cords away from fingers
Claudia Krusch says
When my Son was little I was so worried about electrical safety. These are great tips to help keep your kids safe.
Sherry says
When my kids were young we had outlet covers on all of the outlets. I still have to remind my son not to pull on the cord when he wants to unplug something.
Lisa Bristol says
Electrical safety is so important. I always have the plug protectors in even though my kids are all grown up. You never know when a friend will bring a little one over.
Ira says
All our receptacles are tamper-resistant. And we do a lot of talking and explaining.
tracy k says
we use outlet covers
Donna L. says
I use outlet plugs to keep little fingers out.
ivy pluchinsky says
We have safety plugs and teach the kids about electrical safety
Aarone Mawdsley says
teach them not to touch
jmanandmillerbug says
We had covers on all our plugs when our kids were very young! I was always worried about that! These tips are awesome I will give to my sister in law who has two young kids!
Josh S says
I inspect the outlets regularly and have taught my kids to stay away from it.
Sarah Marturano says
Great tips! You can never be too safe when it comes to outlets and the safety of the kids.
@mommyblogexpert says
When our kids were babies we had those socket covers throughout our house. I bet parents raising little ones now will find your safety tips handy.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Awesome tips! I always use plug stoppers when my kids were small. And I never let them off my sight.
angela eagle says
when my son was little we only had stoppers. They hadn’t come out with anything else yet. I’d like to know what the long term effects are
Jenn Mitchell (@comebackmomma) says
We had stoppers when our kids were little. I make them aware of the dangers of electricity, especially near water. I was mildly electrocuted as a kid when a chord went across a minor flood in our apartment.
Elizabeth Vlug says
We use electrical covers, keep cords as short as possible and watch the little ones like hawks. When old enough, teach them about electrical safety.
Erin W says
My husband is an electrician and I have also worked in the electrical industry, so from day one we have taught our daughter about electrical safety. She know’s the proper way to plug and unplug something, never touches outlets or anything electrical without asking first. The biggest tip is for parents, to always have proper covers on switches and outlets, and leave electrical work to electricians!
Rob says
Thank you for posting this! even with older kids it’s easy to get complacent.
munsif noorali says
Plug stoppers, cords tied, and EDUCATION
mandiestevens says
Great list! My husband was an electrician and was always about educating everyone about safety.
curtis says
keep our kids safe
Josie Tusa says
I think putting the covers in the outlets is a great idea.
Alexander Lim says
Use electrical covers and don’t leave loose cords dragging around
Ginabergman says
We have safety plugs
Diedre says
I always make sure that electrical cords are stored/displayed compactly so that they are not easily accessible to curious little mouths or hands.
jessica s says
I have the stoppers that plug into the outlets, like you mentioned in your post 🙂
Lee-Ann Sleegers says
We make sure that cords run along walls and not in traffic areas so they don’t create trip hazards.
sarah alexis says
I taught them from a young age not to touch outlets or wires! And when they were very young i kept all the outlets covered.
Tanis S says
We have stoppers for all of our plugs which does help!
Justin K says
By not having any! :p
Lilly Kavanagh says
Our baby boy is on the move now so we keep electrical outlets plugged so he can’t stick anything in them.
paulinemilner says
We use the safety clips to put in the electrical outlets and make sure that outlets are not obvious by putting furniture, plants, etc. in front of them. Thanks for the super giveaway opportunity.
Meekyung says
Install tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles to protect younger children from shocks
Soozle says
Plugs for outlets are number one for prevention
Maria says
We have plugs for our outlets as kids love to stick things into the holes. I have caught one of my little ones trying to remove one. Thankfully they are quite hard to remove
Ali P says
I inspect our electrical regularly.
mooch68 says
We have installed special covers on all outlets. You have to slide the cover over to access the outlet.
Piroska says
We always had socket covers, and tried to keep the outlets hidden behind furniture, plants, etc.
phyllis cadwell says
We keep all plugs protected with a safety cover
Kelley Moore says
I always try and keep the outlets behind furniture so the kids don’t see them otherwise I use safety plugs.
garfield cadwell says
Keep all unused outlets filled with an outlet protector
Tammy Dalley (@Tammykayv) says
I keep all outlets covered with protectors!
Faye W. says
We covered all outlets with safety plugs.
lncleslie says
Safety covers!!
lori b says
we use the plug covers
Elaine Douglas says
i always had the plugs covered
Jenny (@jnylala) says
We used outlet covers and we don’t overload the outlets with too many appliances or devices.
Lee-Ann L says
Now that they are older and plugging and unplugging things themselves, we talk about how to properly pull out cords.
Casey Miller says
No cracked cords. We also explain the dangers of electronics, especially why they aren’t in or allowed in the bathrooms.
Erica Seaman says
I’ve preached to my children since they were young about electrical safety, I’ve got them really careful around plugs and they always unplug things from the plug not the cord.
Stephanie says
I always get a professional to do all the electric work so I know our home is safe. Always teach kids not play with outlets and don’t pull the cords
Jennpup says
We’ve been lucky as my youngest has autism and is obsessed with plugging things in. We have to hide cords and keep an eye on him. He doesn’t understand the danger.
Jenn Erin says
We use electrical covers and we make sure the power bars and cords are tidy and out of the way.
beewbedard says
We use child-proof covers on the outlets
Maryanne says
Covers on all plugs and remove long cords
Peter Tusa says
I use stoppers for electric outlets and keep all cords out of reach.
andrea amy (@mommy2fiveboys) says
we use plugs for all the outlets, keep cords tucked away and i always taught them not to play near the plugs or to stick anything in them
angie andrews says
I educate the kids on the dangers of electricity and I use the plugs in the outlets
cgrandy823 says
We make sure electrical and extension cords are safe – not worn out or frayed, not in places where they get walked on or tripped over, etc.
Karla (@ksceviour) says
I have taught my son about the safety of electrical plugs. I always had covers over them when he was smaller and regularly check cords to make sure they are safe.
clairebelletazlover says
Make sure outlets are pluged with the safety plugs and when there is a fray wire we throw it out
Megan Willis says
We have the outlets protected and no extension cords!
Daryl Anderson says
We keep the non essential electricals disconnected at the panels
Brenda Penton says
My kids are older now so outlets aren’t much of an issue. Our latest discussion has been about checking cables to make sure they are not frayed or damaged and also using electronics near water.
Cheryl H says
i always talk to my children about the dangers of out;lets
Kim K says
We use outlet covers
Erinn Lishman says
We definitely discuss the dangers of outlets with our three girls and try hard to ensure their safety by putting covers on!
Donnas says
I made sure that the electrical outlets that were not in use were covered. No way she could put anything into it.
Cathy C says
I make sure they use the plug to unplug the item instead of the cord.
Brittany says
We make sure nothing is left plugged in where little hands can reach! Along with the danger of electric shock, little ones can use cords to pull heavy items down on themselves and cause injury.
Stephanie LaPlante says
We have all our wires covered and protected. We also have protection on our outlets.
Terry Perron says
All plugs were covered with plug covers, no loose wires,
DebP says
We use stoppers for the plugs, and also educate on the whys and dangers of electricity, as well as teach by example.
Chris W says
Always use the safety plugs :)!
aly3360 says
We try to keep all wires out of reach and electronics out of the bathrooms. We don’t have safety plugs in yet, but i did pick up a set to do that to.
– Amber Y
l p says
using outlet covers for all the electrical outlets; checking electrical cords on a routine basis for fraying etc. thanks
loucheryl says
All of my electrical outlets have those little plastic covers in them. 🙂
Michelle k says
My husband works with electrical and has always shown my son how to be safe, about grounding and conduction. Cords are tucked away, making sure the cat doesn’t chew on them and teaching our son to call an adult when he’s unsure if somethings safe.
Maria McLachlan says
My youngest is 4 and I still use a cover on outlets as a precaution
Stefanie V says
Always use covers
KellyPC says
We don’t have kids but we tuck cords out of the way because we have pets & when we have little visitors there are a few things we move around.
Heather N says
We had stoppers, but have explained the dangers all along and I also keep track of cord condition.
shellie clark says
Make sure outlets are pluged with stoppers!!
erin mcsweeney says
THROUGH EDUCATION, REALLY WATCHING OVER YOUR CHILD AND TEACHING THEM WHAT NOT TO DO IS WHAT I TRY
Bonnie Praymayer says
We make sure there’s nothing for little fingers to get into.
Lee-Ann J says
By keeping cords out of reach.
Betty S says
We have put covers on all the electrical outlets and hooks on the cabinet doors
Jennifer Ann Wilson says
We put covers over all the empty outlets.
Clarence L says
Block outlets with furniture or stoppers!
LisaM says
We put covers up when he was little.
Melissa Gauvin says
I make sure to use safety seals on the outlets
Francine Allain says
Our landlord installed electrical outlets that have built in safety plugs. We also talk to the kids about how dangerous electricity can be and how to be safe around electrical cords.
Mike Gismondi says
These are great tips!
Calvin F. says
Always important to keep a safe environment and prevent injury.
Andrea Tomas says
Thank you for this.
Hilton Electrical says
Thank you for this! This has been really helpful and it has been very informative. It has always been important to keep a safe environment to prevent injury especially if you have kids. Thanks again for sharing this!