With the many appliances and electronics that we use and rely on each day, electricity plays an essential role in keeping our busy schedules going. As something that we interact with multiple times throughout the day, it is easy to become complacent when it comes to electrical safety.
While we can have safeguards in place, children can still be at risk of an electrical injury around the home, particularly small children who are very curious as they become more mobile. Common causes of electrical injury can include damage or worn electrical cords, objects being inserted into power points, faulty light switches, and electrical appliances coming into contact with water.
It’s important to talk to everyone in your household about electrical safety habits and to follow these tips from our friends at Horizon Power to keep everyone safe:
- Always use a licenced contractor. Don’t risk harming yourself or your family by doing your own electrical work.
- Protect your household with a Residual Current Device (RCD) that will switch off all electricity if there is ever a fault.
- Remember, electricity and water don’t mix! Never leave electrical appliances unattended around children.
- Stay safe outdoors and never use portable appliances, power tools, or extension leads in water or when it is raining.
- Regularly check your appliances and never use an appliance if it has a frayed cord or broken plug.
- Invest in some simple safety equipment. Safety plugs for unused power points are affordable, easy to use and prevent small children from pushing things into them.
For more safety information, check out the Kidsafe WA Electrical Safety Fact Sheet on our Home Safety Resources page: https://www.kidsafewa.com.au/resources/
Thanks to the ongoing support of Horizon Power, Kidsafe WA is working to promote electrical safety messages in regional communities. Check out our regional visits page for information on our upcoming visits to the Kimberley and Pilbara regions:
https://www.kidsafewa.com.au/regional-visits/
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