Electricity is something we’re around 24 hours a day, so protecting our children against its potential dangers is critically important. While we’ve recently participated in large-scale efforts to bring electrical safety guidance into our community’s public schools (with kits you can see in the image above), we realize there’s never too much one can say about safety to help keep children out of harm’s way around electricity.
With that in mind, here are some things to help ensure you children keep safety in mind:
Talk to them about electricity
Starting when they are young, discuss with your children how electricity works and why it can be dangerous. Show them the power lines outside and then walk around your home and explain how electricity travels through the wires, into your home and into the outlets. Explain how electricity flows constantly, so they should never play with outlets. Consider putting plastic safety covers on outlets to remove any potential temptation and prevent accidents. Explain the dangers of electricity around water, and how they should never put anything electronic in the bathtub.
Teach them to be responsible
As your children grow, teach them how to use electricity correctly. This means learning how to safely remove electrical cords from outlets, as well as not overloading power strips. Also, teach your kids to never take apart electronics that are plugged in. TECO has a website for home safety, and another one with great tips on teaching kids about electricity.
Create a poster together
You can use the subject of electrical safety to create a poster or craft project together. This gives your children the chance to make something creative, while also learning about how to be safe. Consider the following rules:
- Never put any electrical appliances or equipment near water
- Don’t play near power lines
- If wires are frayed, tell Mom and Dad
- Make sure all outlets are covered
- If you see anyone hurt by electricity, don’t touch them. Call Mom, Dad or 911
- If you see a power line down, tell Mom and Dad immediately
- Take plugs out of outlets carefully
- Never stick things into outlets
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