As all of us in the Raleigh/Chapel Hill/Durham area are now aware, COVID-19 has dramatically increased the amount of time we are spending indoors. As our kids get a little itchy to entertain themselves, they naturally find “creative ways” of finding ways to get into things they shouldn’t. Imagine a young one thinking to himself, “I wonder what happens when I plug this house key into that wall socket?” If you have children or might have children visit your home regularly, there are precautions you can take to reduce the risk of child electrical injuries.
Children 12 and younger account for about 20 percent of all electrical shock injuries reported in the U.S. Toddlers are almost always injured by putting something live in their mouths while older kids get hurt mostly with power cords and extension cords. 14%-17% of injuries involve wall sockets.
For young children, vigilance is your most powerful tool, but it is impossible to be aware of what a child does every second of every day. Therefore, limiting access to electrically charged devices and sources is crucial in reducing the risk of shock in very young children. Children as young as two years old can easily remove simple outlet plugs or covers. Also, outlet covers can pose a choking hazard.
Install Tamper Resistant Receptacles
A better solution, the Tamper Resistant Receptacle, has been mandated by the National Electrical Code since 2008. The device features safety shutters that only complete the electrical circuit if you insert a proper, undamaged electrical plug. This prevents a child being shocked when they insert an object in just one of the ports of an outlet. Most homes that do have TRRs have them from an installation done before they moved into their home. But installation is much easier than most people think. Mr. Electric of Chapel Hill is fully qualified to install these devices in your home.
Be Careful With Appliance Cords
Appliance cords also post a significant risk. For young children, if they can reach it, they’re going to mess with it. They can even pull appliances off a counter and get hit by the falling appliance. You can reduce risk by keeping appliance cords away from the edge of countertops. Keep all electrical appliances away from areas with water (like tubs) where they could fall into a bath.
Extension Cords Are a Significant Risk
Extension cords pose a unique threat. Don’t use extension cords as a long-term source of electricity. Extension cords are made to be used for a specific task and then put away. If you don’t have a TRR-ready outlet in an area where you need electricity, you need to add another outlet. Running extension cords across rooms, under rugs, and over door sills is just asking for trouble. Extension cords should also be kept away from any area where they might come in contact with water. Extension cords that come unplugged from a device and fall into a pool of water can electrocute anyone standing in the pool.
Chapel Hill and surrounding communities like Raleigh and Durham are already feeling the stress from the forced change in lifestyle mandated by the Coronavirus pandemic. If you are regularly going to have children in your home, it is vital to protect the children and yourself by improving your electrical home safety. For seniors and veterans, Mr. Electric of Chapel Hill is offering a 10% discount for electrical service and repair work for new customers. For all customers, we offer a free home safety check! So contact us today and protect the young ones in your life.
