If you have young children, you need to make sure your home is prepared to handle them. There are many hazards in every household—particularly from unsecured electrical outlets and cords. Here’s what electricians recommend to make these areas baby-proof.

4 Recommendations for Child Safety Near Electrical Features

1. Check Your Outlet Type

For newer or custom homes, it’s possible you already have tamper-proof outlets, which will resist a child’s attempts to put anything inside. Get down and look at the outlet; if you can see something partially opaque in the holes, they are tamper-proof. If not, you need to cover them yourself.

2. Cover the Outlet

Simple outlet covers look like the prongs of an electrical plug, but in plastic instead of metal. They can be plugged right into your wall sockets to prevent little fingers from getting inside. Fancier options include sliding or spring-loaded outlet covers, which are less likely to come out and get lost since they’re attached to the wall.

3. Prevent Unplugging

Grabbing and pulling is one of the first motor skills many babies learn, and your child may find it hilarious to unplug your lamp or computer. Specially designed outlet covers that guide cords to one side prevent kids from pulling them straight out.

4. Tape Long Cords

If you rely on power strips or have other long and semi-permanent cords, you want to protect them from your child’s pulling and chewing. The low-tech solution is to tape them down with duct tape, while the high-tech option is using vinyl floor strips to cover the exposed sections.

For more advice from a qualified electrician, contact AA Electric, Ltd. in Honolulu, HI. For over 70 years, this electrical company has offered installation, repairs, and code compliance measures across Oahu. Their highly trained electricians are up-to-date on the latest techniques and requirements. To request a quote from an electrician, call (808) 841-4131 or send a message online.