Keep Kids Safe from Electrical Shock
From gates on stairs to locks on cabinet doors, parents do their best to keep their children safe from in-home dangers – one of these dangers is electricity. Sasha Exeter experienced this first-hand when her two-year-old daughter, Maxwell, was shocked. To help parents keep their kids safe from electrical shock, Sasha shares her story and tips to avoid electrical injury.
It was a typical Saturday morning when Maxwell received the shock. Sasha was preparing breakfast and turned her back for just a moment when she heard a pop followed by the smell of burning skin and screams. Maxwell had found a bobby pin and put it in an electrical outlet. Like many parents, electrical dangers weren’t top-of-mind when Sasha was babyproofing her home. This accident demonstrated to Sasha the importance of safeguarding against electrical hazards by taking the following precautions:
- Install child safety outlets
Child safety outlets, tamper resistant (TR) receptacles, have special shutters that cover plug slots and prevent little fingers or objects from entering the outlet and coming into contact with electricity. - Replace missing or broken outlet cover plates
Cover plates are a barrier between people and exposed wires. Electrical outlets with missing or broken cover plates are a hazard and should be replaced to prevent potential injury. - Check your cords
Replace any cords that are frayed or damaged. Extension cords should only be used temporarily as they are prone to damage, which can lead to a shock or even a fire.
There is no such thing as a safe shock
Even mild shocks from common household appliances can have serious long-term effects, such as anxiety, chronic pain or memory loss. Every year in Ontario 110 kids under age 15 go to the hospital because of an electrical injury.
Luckily, Maxwell wasn’t badly injured. With any type of electrical shock, it is crucial that the injured person be taken to the hospital for assessment and treatment.
To hear Sasha’s account of her experience, please watch this video.
For more information on how to keep kids safe from electrical shock, click below.