Going back to school means shopping for supplies and adjusting your daily routine. The beginning of a new school year also means new electrical hazards to watch out for. Busy mornings, electronic devices, and preparing after-school snacks pose dangers that parents and kids often overlook. Students who are moving away for college also need to know about electrical safety while living on their own for the first time in a dorm room or apartment. Electrical safety is more than just preventing shocks. Ignoring electrical hazards can short out appliances or cause devastating fires. Whether your child is heading off to their first day of kindergarten or moving to a college campus, these five safety tips can help protect them from electrical dangers both at home and at school.
1. Childproof Electrical Outlets
If you haven't childproofed your electrical outlets yet, there's no better time to take care of it than the start of the school year. Between hectic mornings and study sessions, it can be difficult to constantly supervise little ones. Making sure your electrical outlets are safe and secure means that your toddlers and preschoolers can play and explore with less worry. Outlet covers are an easy and affordable way to protect your children from electrical dangers, but they aren't foolproof. Persistent toddlers often figure out how to remove outlet covers, and older children forget to put them back after use. Tamper-resistant outlets are a more secure option. These outlets have built-in shutters that only open when a proper plug is inserted, helping block items like toys or fingers without interfering with regular use. At Mister Sparky®, we can upgrade your outlets to safer options that not only protect against electrical shock but also reduce fire risks in older homes. Amarillo homeowners trust us to provide the latest and safest outlets, switches, and wiring for families of all ages and sizes.
2. Avoid Extension Cords and Overloading Outlets
The school year means lots of new electronics will be entering your home. With laptops, tablets, calculators, and hairstyling tools fighting for available outlets, you might be tempted to use extension cords or outlet extenders. However, these inexpensive devices often lead to overloading outlets, which can trip breakers or cause an electrical fire. The following devices should never be used with extension cords or outlet extenders:
- Refrigerators
- Microwaves
- Space heaters
- Air fryers
- Air conditioners
Instead of overloading existing outlets, have a professional install additional outlets if you're running out of space for all your electronics. If adding outlets isn't an option, work out a schedule for using outlets and charging devices instead of plugging everything in at once. Consider using multifunction devices and wireless power banks to help ease the load on your outlets.
3. Unplug Devices When Not in Use
Some appliances continue drawing small amounts of electricity even when turned off, so unplugging them can save energy. More importantly, heat-producing appliances like hair straighteners, curling irons, toasters, and space heaters should always be unplugged after use to prevent fire hazards. Teach your children this habit early. Use signs or stickers as reminders, and always double-check before leaving the house. If you have an older teen heading to college, send them with surge protectors to make turning off multiple devices easy. Automatic shutoff features are also important for dorm safety in case a student forgets to unplug an appliance before rushing out the door. Small electronics like lamps and phone chargers don’t pose the same fire risk if left plugged in, but larger appliances such as microwaves, TVs, or refrigerators should only be unplugged during extended breaks if they’ve been fully emptied and defrosted.
4. Stay Away From Power Lines and Electrical Equipment
If your kids walk, bike, or drive themselves to school, they may encounter power lines or electrical equipment on their way. It's important to teach them to avoid these hazards. Transformer boxes and low-hanging lines can be tempting for younger children to play with, but they need to know this equipment is dangerous and not a toy. Students should also learn how to avoid electrical hazards in older schools or playgrounds. They should never touch wires, breaker boxes, or exposed outlets. Teach children to avoid throwing objects onto power lines, leaning against electric poles, or sitting on transformer boxes. Because storms with high winds are a common occurrence in Amarillo, it’s also important to teach your children to avoid downed power lines. Never step across power lines or drive over them. Make sure your kids know to take a different route if they see one and how to call the electric company to report it.
5. Make Sure Kitchens and Bathrooms Have GFCI Outlets
One of the most effective electrical safety upgrades you can make for your home is to install GFCI outlets. These outlets have test and reset buttons and are designed to shut off power instantly if they detect electricity leaking to the ground—a common risk when water is nearby. GFCIs help prevent dangerous shocks, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas. Other places that benefit from GFCIs include playrooms with fish tanks or humidifiers, as well as laundry rooms. While standard classrooms generally don’t require GFCIs, school science labs and cooking areas should have them. In dorms, GFCIs are especially important for outlets located near sinks or bathrooms. If your child’s dorm doesn’t have them, keep cooking appliances at home or rely on the meal plan instead.
Your Trusted Source for Back-to-School Electrical Services
Whether you need outlet upgrades, surge protection, or wiring repairs, Mister Sparky® can help you get ready for the back-to-school season with reliable electrical services in Amarillo. If you have a problem that can't wait, our experienced electricians are ready to fix it quickly with 24-hour emergency services. We also offer smart home solutions to help keep your home safe and comfortable while family members are away at school or work. Do you want a safer, more efficient home for the new school year? Contact our team at Mister Sparky® for all your electrical needs.
