Electricity is essential to your home, but it can also be hazardous to your children. That is why baby proofing Phoenix homes is so important. It really isn\’t difficult at all to accomplish and won\’t cause more than minor inconveniences to your lifestyle. Here\’s what you need to do.
Cover All Electrical Outlets
The first step to baby proofing Phoenix homes is to protect your outlets. You can find electrical outlet covers at any baby or home improvement store. Some are inexpensive and easy to install. However, the traditional outlet covers can be taken out by little hands and could present a choking hazard.
While the outlet covers may work, they don\’t actively work on their own. They require you to remember to put them back in and they can be bypassed by simply removing them.
A better option is to upgrade your home to include tamper-resistant outlets. They include a small piece of plastic built into the outlet that only moves when a two-pronged plug is plugged in. A screwdriver or bobby pin won\’t be able to bypass these types of outlets. While they are individually quite inexpensive a professional should install them.
Keep Electrical Cords Out of Sight
If you need to run any electrical cords across the floor, it is important to cover them whenever possible. This will minimize the risk of you or your children tripping over them. This can also send your electronic devices crashing to the floor, so it is in your best interest to prevent that from happening.
In addition, small children can inadvertently wrap cords around their necks, potentially leading to the risk of strangulation. Install cord covers when baby proofing your Phoenix home so that the cords lie flat against the floor, or bind them up tightly with a rubber band or cord keeper. The fewer exposed cords you have, the safer your kids will be.
If you find yourself using extension cords regularly in your home, it may be time to install a few new outlets or electrical circuits.
Unplug Any Devices That Are Not in Use
Kids are remarkably resourceful and will try to use your electronic devices. They likely see you using them and want to imitate your behaviors. Whenever you are not using a particular device, unplug it from the wall so your little ones can\’t turn it on. Be sure to tuck the cord back behind the device so they can\’t use it to pull the device down. Not only will this keep your kids safer, but it can also help prevent wasting electricity on devices that are not needed. This can help you save on your energy costs, freeing up more money in your budget for fun activities with your children.
Keep Your Outlets and Wiring in Good Repair
Faulty outlets and deteriorated wiring can expose your home to the risk of electrical fires and power failures. They can also pose a risk to your children, so keeping them in good shape is crucial to baby proofing Phoenix homes. If you suspect any problems with your outlets or wiring, have a qualified electrician inspect and repair them for you. It is incredibly dangerous to try to do electrical work yourself, so leave this task to a professional. Aim to have your electrical system inspected about once a year to ensure everything is safe and reliable.
Get More Help with Baby Proofing Phoenix Homes
Of course, nothing keeps your kids safe like parent supervision, but it is virtually impossible to keep your eyes on them every second of the day. This is especially true if you have multiple kids.
If you would like even more tips for baby proofing your Phoenix home, you can count on Turn It On Electric. Our expert electricians can help you identify any potential dangers in your home and advise you as to how to fix them. We want to help you keep your kids as safe as possible, so don\’t be shy about getting in touch with us to schedule an appointment.
