The summer is all but over, the kids are back at school, and it’s also baby safety month. All my babies are grown up, but I have a few grandchildren, and keeping them safe is essential — especially when they visit.

According to a recent National Library of Medicine article, approximately 20 per cent of all electrical injuries occur in children, with the highest incidences in toddlers and adolescents. Kids are curious and natural explorers who often put their fingers on and in everything. This puts them at risk for shock. Last week I mentioned when my son Mike Jr. was younger he was constantly sticking things into our outlets. One day he got a good zap and never did it again.

The experience is shocking and can be frightening and scary for the child and the parent or grandparent. However, studies have shown that even low-voltage shocks, such as a toaster’s zap or an outlet’s buzz, can have adverse long-term effects, such as memory loss, anxiety, or a tingling sensation.

But we don’t have to learn the hard way; the good news is that this is all preventable. The solution is to replace all electrical outlets with tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles. This is a must. They have built in shutters that cover the plug slots and help prevent little fingers or objects, like clips, bobby pins or toys, from going into the outlet. Ensure your room is safe from preventing electrical shocks because you don’t want your kids or grandkids to go through that experience.

In some regions of North America, new codes require all newly constructed homes to have tamper-resistant receptacles installed. For parents and even grandparents in older homes — double-check your receptacles and see if you need to make some changes. If you have the older style of removable plastic safety caps, replace them with tamper-resistant receptacles, which provide significantly more protection.

They offer enhanced safety and ensure electric shock protection, and some models even come with an audible alarm that will alert parents if the GFCI has tripped.

For toddlers and young children, bath time is fun, but make sure you have at least one GFCI receptacle installed. GFCI receptacles provide superior safety and help ensure electric shock protection in areas where electrical power may come into contact with water. They offer enhanced safety and ensure electric shock protection, and some models even come with an audible alarm that will alert parents if the GFCI has tripped.

Never leave cables exposed where toddlers and youngsters can reach them, especially if they are connected to hot appliances like a hair straightener or curling iron.

Combination nightlight receptacles are ideal for kids’ rooms since they have GFCI options and tamper-resistant shutters. Plus they have dimmable models that allow you to select the ideal degree of light, making it easier to safely move around in poorly illuminated or dark interiors without disruption. The nightlight is automatically turned on when it becomes dark and immediately switches off when the sensor detects light in the room.

Protecting the outlets with covers or face plates creates a barrier between people and exposed wires. Replaced any missing or broken face plates to ensure proper protection.

I see many people pull out their computer power cord by the cord, not the rubber casing. Never yank the cord or cable grip from the wall when unplugging the power cord, and always unplug by holding the rubber casting. Pulling the cord can damage the outlet, cord and appliance or electrical device. Teach older kids safe plugging and unplugging techniques when using electrical cords.

Check your electrical cords for damage or fraying. Replace all frayed cords to prevent a shock, and don’t just cover them with tape. Remember, never overload an outlet with too many power cords; use a power bar and surge protection that has a nationally approved certified mark instead.

Keep cords away from little hands and mouths.

Installing occupancy and vacancy sensors is another excellent option as the sensors turn lights on and off automatically, using infrared and ultrasonic sensor technology which detect your presence. There is no need to fumble for the light switch while holding a fussy newborn in your arms when the sensor switches the lights off after a set amount of time after you leave the room.

You can never be too careful regarding safety, especially concerning children. Make your home and children’s rooms as safe as you can to prevent zaps and shocks by taking all the necessary steps. And lastly, if you have any doubt about the electrical in your home or your children’s room, call a licensed electrical contractor. Be safe and do it right.

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