Health & Fitness
Top Electrical Safety Tips to Teach Your Children This Summer
By Brett Brenner, President, Electrical Safety Foundation International
Summer is here and that means kids all across the country are enjoying summer break. This leaves them with more time to play with their favorite electronics, be it their computers, TVs, tablets or cell phones. While these devices have become a normal part of our children’s lives, they may not realize that these electronics can pose a serious danger.
More than 2,400 children under the age of 10 are treated for injuries as a result of electrical shock each year in the United States, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). However, teaching your kids these simple tips and precautions can help them avoid serious risks:
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- Don’t yank on the cord to unplug an appliance. Hold onto the plug itself.
- Never play with electrical cords, light sockets or outlets.
- If you see a broken electrical cord, tell an adult.
- Always turn off the lights before you leave the house or go to bed.
- Do not rest clothing, toys or other items on top of electrical devices such as lamps or computers.
- Keep electrically charged toys and other items away from water.
- If you drop an electrical device in water, don’t try to get it. Instead, notify an adult who can safely retrieve the item.
- Steer clear of power lines when playing outside, especially when flying a kite or playing catch with friends.
- Memorize your family’s fire-escape plan for your home.
For more information, videos, games and other resources to help you keep your children safe this summer, visit ESFI’s resources for kids and Kids’ Corner websites.
Brett Brenner is president of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school and play. ESFI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety.
