According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year there are approximately 2400 incidents of severe shocks or burns and between 6-12 fatalities caused by children sticking items into electrical sockets. Most of these type accidents can be easily prevented by installing Tamper Resistant Electrical Receptacles in your home. The receptacles have spring-loaded shutters that will open only when both ends of a metal plug are inserted into the openings, preventing smaller metal objects from making contact with the electrical current.
As of 2008, the National Electrical Code (NEC) required that all new home construction implement the TR receptacles, which generally cost no more than .50 cents more than their traditional counterparts.
The NFPA recommends that adults teach their kids about what items in the household operate with electricity and how to stay safe from electrical shock. Here are a few electricity safety tips for your family:
- Always allow an adult to plug electrical fixtures into wall sockets.
- Never attempt to take anything out of a toaster while it is plugged in! Sticking utensils into a toaster over to dislodge a piece of toast can cause severe electrical shock. Unplug the toaster, and ask a grown-up to use a wooden utensil to remove whatever is stuck inside.
- Never use an electrical hair dryer, telephone or radio in close proximity to a bathtub or sink filled with water. Each year, fatalities occur because of electrical appliances coming into contact with wet surfaces in the bathroom or kitchen.
- Never use frayed electrical cords or damaged power strips. Never plug anything into a damaged or loose electrical outlet.
- Never talk on a land-line telephone during an electrical storm. It is possible to be struck by lightening through the wire.
- Keep electrical cords away from small pets that may wish to chew on them and become electrocuted. If your pet bites into an electrical cord and is electrocuted, do NOT attempt to intervene with your bare hands or with any object that contains metal--You could be electrocuted, as well.
- Don't overload power strips or wall sockets. Use only the allotted number of electrical devices to avoid a fire or electrocution risk.
- Stay away from fallen power lines. If an electrical wire falls on your car, stay inside.
For more preschool to 8th grade age-appropriate electrical safety lessons and information, visit Electrical Safety Plans.
