We at A-Star are well-aware of the dangers of electricity. As certified journeyman or apprentice electricians, our training has reinforced – over and over – the care and caution needed to provide electrical service in Calgary safely. That’s why we highly recommend calling a residential electrician instead of trying to handle electrical problems on your own. Even as knowledgeable adults, mistakes can happen.
Due to their lack of impulse control, children are especially susceptible to all sorts of accidents. A-Star can help you retrofit your home to reduce the chances of your kids inadvertently tangling with electricity. Electrocution is extremely dangerous. Because the human body is made up of mainly water it is an excellent conductor of electricity, which travels through it quickly and causes a lot of damage along the way. A minor electrocution incident may result in a headache, spasms, temporary unconsciousness, and difficulty breathing. A more serious occurrence can cause major burns at the point of entry, vision and hearing loss, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, brain damage, and death.
Proper Electrical Etiquette
Make children well aware of proper electrical etiquette early on. Teach them how to unplug and plug in appliances using the handgrip above the prongs, to never overload a power outlet, and to keep flammable items away from outlets as well. Children should also be made well aware of the dangers of power lines. Warn them to never fly a kite near power lines or climb on power poles, and to stay away from transformers.
Electrical Outlets and Kids
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that each year about 4,000 people end up in emergency rooms each year due to accidents involving electrical objects. They say from 30 to 50% are children. We all know that kids love to stick things in other things, and that’s the reason why outlets are dangerous for the little ones. An object such as a fork or paper clip can complete the circuit, causing electrocution. Plastic covers are good for blocking outlets that are not in use, but are not perfect because kids are pretty good at figuring out how to remove them. And what about stuff that’s already plugged in? Children are smart and curious and will yank on plugs just to see what’s on the other side.
Tamper-resistant outlets are the way to go with children. They have a trigger mechanism inside that will block the entry point as soon as a plug is removed, which will not allow anything to be inserted. There are numerous options for sleek and unobtrusive electrical outlets that are also safe for children.
Secure Your Electrical Cords
If kids see a cord they are likely to pull it, meaning they can end up dragging electronics and lamps off of counters and tabletops down on to themselves. Use command hooks and ties to shorten and secure cords. These are available at stores like Staples and Home Depot. Also make sure to teach your kids to never pull a plug out by the cord.
Take Extra Care During the Holidays
Holidays are wonderful times, but the sparkly decorations can make them dangerous for kids. Unintentional injuries caused by choking and strangulation in infants and toddlers are common. Ensure your tree is securely anchored down, and that your children know to leave Christmas tree lights alone. Tape down cords and cover outlets to deter little hands from yanking and pulling. Some even place baby gates around trees to keep kids safely away.
Keep Small Electrical Appliances Our of Reach
All small electrical appliances should be stored well out of reach. Many – such as hair dryers and curling irons – can cause serious burns and even start a fire.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are your best line of defense against a fire. Test them at least once a month and change their batteries yearly. You should have several in your home – one in each bedroom, in the hallway outside of the bedrooms, and near the top of stairways. There should be at least one on each floor, including basements and attics. Have an evacuation plan in place and review it regularly.
Trust A-Star Electric of Calgary for all Your Electrical Services
People with children are always looking for ways to simplify their lives, and there are plenty of smart devices that can help you do so while also lowering your electrical bill. These can also help you teach your kids about the responsible use of electricity.
Your home or business’s electrical system is integral to day-to-day life and work, and we believe in making sure your panel and wiring run as efficiently and conveniently as possible. Since we began operations in 2010 we have completed numerous of residential and commercial jobs, and are proud to have earned a solid 5-star rating from the Better Business Bureau of Calgary. Contact us today!
