When you think of child-proofing your home there are probably several things that you think of, but your electrical should definitely be one of the first things. Hiring an emergency electrician because your electrical isn’t quite working the way it should is an important step, but you want to make sure that you’re bringing them in to help you with the child-proofing process of your Myrtle Beach, SC home as well. That’s what will keep your little one a whole lot safer and you from needing an emergency electrician.

Outlet Covers

One of the first things that everyone thinks of when we talk about child-proofing is outlet covers. These covers come in several different types and styles but the most common ones are simple plugs that fit into the outlet and make sure nothing can be put into it. You can find more intense ones now or you can even get specialty outlets that allow you to plug something in easily enough but also provide the protection you want for your little one, so they can’t stick something into the outlet.

The really great thing is that the traditional outlet covers that you probably think of first are extremely inexpensive. You can usually buy large packs of them without a big investment and you can install them quickly and easily too. This isn’t something you’ll need an emergency electrician for, but it’s going to protect you from needing one when your little one gets something stuck in the outlet that causes a short or somehow causes other problems for your electrical. You can use these outlet covers in any outlet and they generally have two prongs, which is useful even in three-prong outlets.

Plate Covers

These are one of those other options that we mentioned and they actually cover up the outlet and the slots when they’re not being used but you can slide them out of the way when you want to use the outlet. This isn’t intended for any outlet that you’re going to use regularly, and they’re not always as secure because a little one could learn how to slide them out of the way as well. Also, they cover both of the outlets at the same time, which means if you uncover them to plug in one thing the other one is left exposed.

Tamper-resistant Receptacles

These are the best options when it comes to trying to protect your little one from electrical outlets. They’re actually a system that covers the holes in the outlet and requires you to press something into both slots at the same time in order for them to open. If you push something into only one slot it doesn’t open, which keeps your little one from being able to put anything into the slot. The slats won’t open and they won’t be able to get hurt. You can also call an emergency electrician to help you with installing this type of system.

Watch Your Electrical Cords

Electrical cords can be dangerous in a number of different ways. For one thing, they can be a tripping hazard. If you have small children that are just getting started walking or seem to run everywhere they can be extremely dangerous and you may find yourself chasing after your children just to make sure they don’t trip over a cord. Keeping them up and out of the way as much as possible so this doesn’t happen is important. Avoid stretching cords across the middle of the floor wherever possible so it’s less likely someone (even an adult) will trip.

Next, make sure that you’re wrapping cords that are much longer than they need to be. If you have to use a 6 ft. cord to stretch only 2 ft. then make sure you’re wrapping that cord up as much as possible so it isn’t spread out to its full length. The more open space there is and the more visible that cord is the more likely your little one will be to try to play with it. They’re going to be more likely to try and pull on the cord or even chew on it, both of which are going to be dangerous to them and potentially dangerous to your home as well. If your little one isn’t injured, you may need an emergency electrician to take care of electrical damage.

Finally, make sure that you’re teaching your children about safety with electrical outlets as soon as possible. Of course, you want to keep them away from those outlets and you want to keep them away from cords and things as much as possible but you should also talk to them. As soon as they’re old enough to even start understanding what you’re talking about make sure you explain to them to stay away from outlets and never put anything in them. Explain also that they should never pull on cords that are plugged in and should never chew on the cords either. You could even get an emergency electrician to help you with this process of explaining things.

The more you talk to your child about outlets, electricity and everything associated with it when they’re younger the better off they’re going to be as they get older. They’ll be less likely to get into anything or cause any kind of trouble with the electricity that results in you needing an emergency electrician. The more you demystify the process of electricity and electrical products and the more they understand safety surrounding them the better it will be for everyone involved (including your home and you).

If you find yourself in need of an emergency electrician for any reason, make sure you call Mister Sparky® of Myrtle Beach. We will send someone over to your house immediately to help you with any electrical problems you may have. Whether you really need an emergency electrician or you need someone to take care of a minor electrical problem, we’ll come to you and take care of things once and for all. You don’t have to worry about a thing.