Top 7 Tips for Electrical Safety for Kids in Australia
Electricity is an essential part of human life. We use a large number of home appliances, including television sets, music systems, and other gadgets that run on electricity. Even kids often operate televisions and music systems independently, without the help of parents or elder family members. However, this can be very risky unless they are well aware of how to use electric appliances and perform basic tasks like switching them on or off, or recharging batteries.
Therefore, parents and elder family members must ensure electrical safety for kids and educate them about the risks involved with these devices if they are not used properly. You’d be surprised to know that Australia witnesses several electricity-related accidents each year, some leading to death.
In light of this, educating kids about the dangers of using electrical appliances and the safe use of power becomes essential, as we cannot live without the daily use of electricity.
Here are 7 tips for electrical safety for kids in Australia:
1. Make Electrical Outlets Beyond the Reach of Kids
This can be one of the best ways to ensure safety for the kids. Children tend to follow their elders. At home, they often see elders putting plugs in the outlets. Out of curiosity, they might put their small, slender fingers into the sockets without realising the deadly effect of it. The best way to ensure the safety of the lives of kids is to use electrical covers for the outlets. At the same time, fit your switchboards in the walls in such a way that the children cannot reach them easily.
2. Efficient Management of Electrical Cords
Children may pull cords and find it curious why they are lying on the bare floor. They see them as playthings. To safeguard the children against exposure to loose cords, you should always devise methods to keep them hidden, like under thick floor carpets and rugs. This is necessary as children often run in the room. While doing so, the cords may get entangled in their legs if they lie open.
3. Precautionary Measures in the Kitchen
The kitchen and kitchen appliances running on power always attract the kids. In fact, they tend to see what their mothers are doing in the kitchen. Out of curiosity, they may move into the kitchen when their mothers are not there. But this is very risky as they may try to run electrical appliances by switching them on, just like their mothers do. The consequences can be very dangerous.
4. Early Education on Safe Use of Power
Kids should be sensitised about the proper and safe use of power and also the method of switching on and switching off. If you can plant the fact in their heads that electricity can kill, they will not become adventurous and play with it. By doing so at home, you are also sensitising them to act responsibly in school and avoid coming into contact with electrical poles or anything running on electricity in marketplaces, streets, and pavements.
5. Educating Kids about Dangers of Flickering Lights
Kids are, by nature, attracted to flickering lights like those on the Christmas tree. Touching them can be very risky, and there may be, through oversight, some loose and exposed wires. It may be noted that many accidents related to power leaking from light-decorated Christmas trees take place every year in Australia. Dazzling lights of multiple colours decorating the Christmas tree are a matter of great attraction for the kids.
6. Educate Kids Not to Touch Wires or Switchboards with Wet Hands
Teach your kids to always dry their hands if they are near the switchboard or near a wire or cable. Tell them that they may suffer an accident or even die if they touch the wire or switchboard with wet hands. They should also stay away from the switchboard or wires if their body is wet or if they are coming out of the bathroom after a shower.
7. Never Climb an Electrical Pole
Many children try to climb an electrical pole as they find it a plaything. You must sensitise your children about the risks involved with venturing to do so. Let them know that such power poles or electrical poles may have latent power seeping through them.
Conclusion
Educating kids about the safe use of electricity and the need for taking precautionary measures is necessary, as an average Australian home carries 230 volts, which can kill an adult upon contact with a live wire or sparks from plug points. Kids, by nature, are very curious.
They seek adventure in everything and see fun in everything, without knowing the dangers associated with it. Thus, from a very early age, parents should start teaching kids about the safe use of electricity, electric devices, home appliances, and what to do in case of electricity-induced short circuits or emergency situations.
