When moving into a new home, it’s important to child-proof it, especially electrical outlets. Here to help you is A Mother’s Touch Movers, expert moving and packing specialists serving the entire Space Coast. We are here to assist you in every step of your move and want your home to be safe and sound for everyone once you arrive. Read this to better your children’s safety.
Here’s a tip: get on the floor to see the world from the point of view of your children. You’ll get a better perspective on how many outlets there are and how easy kids find them to access. They stick their fingers, as well as many household items into the outlets, like keys and hairpins.
Unfortunately, this can lead to first- or second-degree electrical burns. A child’s skin easily conducts electricity. Sometimes, the electric shock can be fatal. While you can’t prevent children’s natural curiosity, or supervise them 24/7, you can take steps to watch them and add other safety measures.
Plastic Outlet Protectors are the most inexpensive safety outlet cover. They fit their prongs directly into outlet holes, but there are several potential problems. Kids can figure out how to remove them, and, you may forget to re-insert them and leave the outlet uncovered. The small covers can be a choking hazard for very young children.
There are also safer options than plastic outlet protectors, including the Complete Outlet Covers. These cover the complete outlet face, known as the switch plate. They cover the ends of the plugged-in cords, keeping the entire area of the wall safe. Child Tamper-Resistant Face Outlet Covers have switch plates with faces that swivel or slide over the outlet holes. Visit your local hardware store and make sure that you’re getting the right kind, because some can be retrofit over existing outlets, while others are replacement switch plates.
Child Tamper-Resistant Outlets appear like any other outlet, but there are plastic shutters, intended to remain closed until a plug is inserted, behind the face. The idea behind it is that many young children will not try to stick two objects into the two vertical outlet holes at the same time. These are permanent and automatic, and thus the safest option for electrical outlet safety.
