Childproof Your Home

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Having a toddler can be very amusing and entertaining, but can also lead to chaos.  Disaster is the product of failing to childproof your home.    When toddlers get to a certain age they get very curious, and one of their favorite activities is sticking things into places where they shouldn’t.  They also like to imitate their elders so when they see you plugging in some appliances, they’re going to do that, too.  Making sure that cables, power plugs and sockets, power strips and extension cords are hidden or covered is essential to prevent unfortunate incidents.

One of the common items that need attention is the power outlet.  These vertical slots are like toy slot machines to your kids’ eyes.  They can poke things into these slots and they will be in a serious risk of electric shock.  There are two types of receptacles – regular and tamper resistant.  If you look at the slots in a tamper resistant power point, you will see that it looks like some sort of plastic is placed inside.  These are spring loaded shutters that close off the openings and the only time they’ll open is when both openings are pushed in simultaneously.  Regular receptacles do not have this safety feature.  Most new houses have the tamper resistant receptacles; this type of electrical outlet doesn’t require baby proofing because your child is unlikely to be able to push both openings at the same time.

If your house still has the regular points, you may need to check out different outlet covers for different kinds of outlets.  Here are some covers you can choose from:

  1. Outlet plugs – These covers are intended for outlets you rarely use, or simply for empty outlets. These are the easiest and cheapest covers in the market.  These plastic plugs are very effective for kids, though sometimes can be a pain for adults to take out and placed back.
  2. Slide Plate Covers – The best solution to most homeowners for outlets that are used more often. These have built-in sliding covers that automatically cover outlets when you’re not using them.
  3. Adapter and Plug Covers – This must be one of the favorites of many because it practically covers regular duplex plugs, including most large adapter plugs.
  4. Outdoor Outlet Covers – These covers will save not only your kids, but your neighbours’ kids as well. A weatherproof outdoor outlet cover will not only protect your outdoor outlets from rust, but also kids playing outdoors to get electric shock.
  5. Power Strip Covers – Babies and toddlers can also yank plugs from the power strip so you’ll need a power strip cover to prevent them from doing that, and prevent them from flipping the switch on or off.

Another helpful item is a cord shortener.  This keeps your cables tidy, tangle-free, and stops kids from yanking excess cables.  Have a walk through your house and check if there are exposed wires, and outlets that need replacement, then call your local electrician immediately.  It is still better to be safe than sorry.   As your trusted local electrician, we can also help you decide which type of cover to use.