Safety Tips for Kids and Electricity
|
|
Posted On :
Jun-20-2009
| seen (1156) times |
Article Word Count :
473
|
|
It is a well known fact that children and electricity do not mix, as their natural curiosity, combined with a lack of awareness of the dangers of electricity, can be a deadly combination. However, if you take the necessary precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk to your child - and the rest of your family - that is posed by electricity. Here are a few pointers:
|
|
It is a well known fact that children and electricity do not mix, as their natural curiosity, combined with a lack of awareness of the dangers of electricity, can be a deadly combination. However, if you take the necessary precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk to your child - and the rest of your family - that is posed by electricity. Here are a few pointers:
The fingers of a child can be small enough to fit into the holes in electrical outlets, so use your common sense and cover up any exposed electrical sockets with outlet protector plates, available from most DIY and hardware stores. The sliding type are the best kind to use on frequently used sockets, as it means you do not have to hunt for and plug in the plate every time you take something out.
Educate your children about the dangers posed by electricity. Discourage them from putting objects such as their fingers or crayons into outlets, and from touching anything that has a cable attached. If they are very young, then you might want to put signs near any objects or outlets that could be dangerous that give a clear visual signal to them not to touch it.
Secure any electrical boxes in your house by locking them in a cupboard and putting the keys somewhere only you can reach.
Do not let your children play with kites or climb trees near electricity towers or power lines.
Once your children are old enough, teach them the correct way to plug and unplug cables in safety, remembering to place an emphasis on handling the plastic part of the plug only when plugging or unplugging.
Keep cables tied up and out of the way so that they cannot be tripped up on or pulled.
If you notice any damaged, worn, or frayed cables or plugs, replace them immediately.
Do not allow children to change lightbulbs until they are at least in their teens, and make sure that they know not to change them until the lamp has cooled down and the power is off.
If you have a space heater, keep the cables out of the way and place it up against the wall so that the cables cannot be pulled or tripped over.
Any lighting in your childs bedroom, including night lights, should be kept away from any curtains or bedding in order to reduce the risk of fire.
Teach your children never to use electrical devices with wet hands, and never use electrical devices such as hair dryers and curling irons in the bathroom.
When you are finished using an appliance, unplug it and tidy it away immediately, especially if it is a hot appliance such as a hair dryer or clothes iron.
|
|
|
|
Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Safety Tips for Kids and Electricity _1256.aspx
|
|
Author Resource :
Save up to 40% with British Gas, the cheapest electricity supplier on average in the UK. View energy prices and other products such as radiators and corgi approved boilers.
|
|
Keywords :
electricity, electricity supplier, gas electric,
Category :
Home and Family
:
Home and Family
|
|
|
|
