Electrical Safety Tips for Kids

To celebrate Electrical Safety Month we thought it would be a good idea to include the younger set in the conversation. There are so many potential electrical hazards in the daily life of a child (grade school and under), it never hurts to remind them how to respond. Whether at home or outside, we’ve compiled a list of the most dangerous obstacles.

Print out this list and share it with your kids. Let’s make sure they have a safe and secure relationship with electricity!

Safety Tips for Home

• Always ask a grown-up to help you when you need to use something electrical. (This includes plugging in/recharging a pad or phone!)

• Never put your fingers or ANY objects in or around an electrical outlet.

• Keep drinks, liquids and burning candles away from electrical equipment.

• Always turn off electrical equipment after you’ve finished using it. Also, have an adult unplug the equipment if it is still attached to an outlet.

• Have a grown-up change out a burnt out light bulb.

• After taking a bath or washing your hands, stay away from electrical equipment until you are completely dry.

• Don’t overload an outlet or extension cord. It could damage your home’s electrical system or even cause a fire.

• Don’t leave out electrical cords on the floor. Make sure cords are clear of pathways to ensure no one trips on them and pets don’t chew on them.

• Never yank an electrical cord from an outlet. Pulling on the cord can damage the plug, the outlet or the appliance.

• Keep electronics/appliances away from water. Most electrical accidents in the home happen when people use electricity around water.

Safety Tips for Outside

• Don’t climb the fence around an electrical substation – or any fence with an electrical warning sign. If a ball or other toy goes over the fence, ask an adult to contact the owner.

• Don’t climb on power poles.

• Stay away from broken or fallen power lines.

• Never touch metal transformer boxes.

• Be mindful of where you fly a kite. Keep away from power lines. If a kite hits a line, it can conduct the electricity – sending it through you to the ground.

• Avoid climbing a tree that is near an electrical line or fence.

• Come inside at the first sign of an electrical storm – either the sound of thunder or the sight of a lightning strike. Many people are struck by lightning every year, resulting in serious injuries and sometimes death.

• Never swim during a rain storm. If you hear thunder, get out of the water immediately.

When going over this list with your kids, it might helpful to show them an example of each hazard/tip. Flash cards and collage projects are also great for reinforcing these essential guidelines.