Is your little one safe? Go Back
Author: Marisan Hallett Date: 17 November 2022
Young children are naturally inquisitive; always exploring the world around them - poking, prodding, and putting things in their mouths.
Electricity is one of the dangers that may lurk in and around your home, so teach them the danger of electricity from an early age.
Electrical dangers inside the home
- Never put a finger or other objects in an electrical outlet.
- Keep metal objects out of sockets and electrical appliances.
- Never use electricity near water.
- Never pull a plug out by its cord.
Electrical dangers outside the home
- Stay away from power stations and power lines.
- Never climb on power poles.
- Do not fly kites near power lines.
- Stay away from broken or fallen power lines.
- Obey warning signs on electrical boxes.
Minimize dangers with a quick inspection
A quick inspection in and around the home will ensure effective and preventative maintenance.
- Look for deterioration or breakages on wires and cables.Do not join cords with tape.
- Beware of signs of overheating like a burning smell or black colouring around outlets.
- Replace missing parts, such as screws on covers, and loose fixtures or fittings.
- When an appliance repeatably blows a fuse, trips a breaker or worse shocks you, immediately unplug, repair, or replace.
- Avoid running extension cords across doorways and under carpets.Extension cords should not be used as a permanent wiring solution.
- Overloading plugs is a fire risk, it is best to use a multi-plug adapter.
- Always use SABS approved plugs, electrical wires, and cords.
- Childproof your home, by using tamper-proof plastic plug covers.
A few moments of safety awareness can prevent harm to your child. Be responsible – you are the safety measure between your child and the electricity in and around your home.
