You may be wondering what will happen if someone, for example a child, sticks her or his finger in an electrical outlet.
Approximately, based on the findings of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety commission, there are about 4,000 people each year that end up in the emergency room from injuries related to accidents from electrical outlets.
Take into consideration that from those 4,000 people about 1,200 to 2,000 are children who for some reason decided to stick their finger or a metal object (line a spoon or fork) into an electrical outlet.
Also, consider the number reported are for those who made it to the emergency room, since unfortunately there are many who do not make it.
A child or babies body is a good conductor of electricity because their bodies are about 60-75% water.
As you may already know water is a good conductor of electricity, so within seconds a child or baby can be a victim of electrical shock.
What are some reasons you should worry about childproofing your home for electrical shock:
Electrical shock can cause minor injuries or more serious and even fatal outcomes.
Minor Injuries:
- muscle fatigue
- temporary unconsciousness
- breathing difficulty
- headache
Serious or fatal effects:
- vision loss
- hearing loss
- severe burns (at the point of contact)
- respiratory failure
- brain damage
- heart attack
- death
Keep both EYES ON:
Toddlers most often may experience electrical shock when they bite into electrical cords or if they stick a fork or knife in an unprotected outlet.
You must also be careful to avoid child or baby to get electric shock from electric toys, appliances, or tools nearby that may come in contact with water.
Summary of Tips:
Concerning extension cords
- Check cords for frays, cracks, or exposed wires.
- Keep out of high traffic areas.
- Never use nails or staples to attach cords to anything.
- Don’t place under rug as cord may overheat.
- For outside only use if it has been rated for outdoor use.
- Never try to repair damaged cords with tape.
General tips
- Use GFCI protection in locations where electrical appliances could come in contact with water.
- Don’t leave wiring exposed in electrical outlets.
- Avoid overloading circuit with too many appliances or electrical devices.
ALL outlets should be COVERED when CHILDREN are present at home. (Hey, if you skipped to this section make sure to take ACTION and cover your outlets….)
Childproofing your home starts the minute you bring your newborn child into the home.
Why spend hundreds on baby and child equipment such as clothing, bed, and formula when potential household hazards haven’t’ been properly child proofed.
Think About This: One of the leading cause of death for children or babies is unintentional injuries from preventable accidents.
Childproofing your home is an important preventive measure to PROTECT your child, or children, from unintentional injuries.
Use the following precautions to PROTECT the safety of your baby, child, or children from electrical shock:
Be SMART: Prevention is the #1 way to avoid unintentional injuries.
Watch for Extension Cords: a child can easily chew an extension cord especially if there isn’t anything plugged in, so it is best to hide or avoid them in a child’s room.
Install GFCIs: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) should be installed in any areas of the house where appliances or power tools are in close proximity to water.
These devices protect against electric shock and electrocution since power is shut off at the electrical outlet. Some places to install may include the bathrooms and kitchen.
Install Tamper-Proof Outlets: These outlets are designed with an internal barrier to keep young children from pocking outlet with fingers or other objects.
Add Child-Resistant Wallplates: These resistant wallplates should be used on any unprotected electrical outlets. Usually fit over your standard electrical receptacle.
Insert Outlet Caps: These plastic caps should also be used in empty electrical receptacles.
Look for those that are child-resistant. These caps can reduce the risk of electrical shock by blocking your child from having direct contact with the electrical outlet.
Be PREPARED to prevent unintended child or baby injuries. Take a look at the following and take ACTION:
What are common causes of electric shock in babies or young children?
- Playing with lights (especially those on Christmas trees) or with electrical cords.
- Chewing or biting torn or damaged electrical cords.
- Placing mouth against electrical outlet or inserting metal objects.
What can you do to prevent your baby or children from electric shock?
Reminder: PREVENTION goes a long way to avoiding unnecessary injuries in and outside the house.
Be a PROACTIVE parent or responsible adult and do the following to prevent electric shock:
- Unplug any appliances when not used in the bathroom.
- As noted before, use GFCI’s for outlets in the kitchen, bathroom, and yard.
- Keep electrical cords out of reach and replace any frayed wires.
- Double check all your appliances have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. These label is one of the most accepted certification label for electrical devices in the United States.
- Cover outlets with plug covers that are child-resistant.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has a home electrical safety checklist that outlines key areas in and outside the house that need to be checked as a way to PREVENT electrical injuries.
These areas in your home need to be checked for the following:
- Lights
- Portable electric heating equipment
- 3-prong adapters
- Electrical cords and entertainment equipment
- Electrical outlets and switches
- GFCI outlets
- Counter top appliances
- Large appliances
- Small electrical appliances (such as hair dryers, electric razors, curling irons)
- Electric blankets
- Fuse box or Circuit breaker box
- Electrical power tools
- Electrical outlets
- Electrical garden tools
- Extension cords used outdoor
- Pools and spas
