🛡️ Child safety · 0–6 years

🔌 Electrical safety and electric shocks

Sockets, damaged chargers and trailing cords can attract curious hands. Physical protection and safe wiring matter more than warnings alone.

Start at child height

Look around from your child's level for exposed wiring, loose sockets and reachable power strips.
Ask a qualified local electrician about suitable tamper-resistant outlets, secure covers and residual-current protection for your home's wiring.

1. Protect sockets properly
Use protection compatible with the actual outlet. Avoid loose plug-in caps that can become choking hazards or compromise the socket's safety features. Have cracked or loose outlets repaired.
2. Manage cords and power strips
Keep extension leads and chargers inaccessible, including unused live sockets. Do not overload strips or connect them in a chain. Replace damaged cables rather than covering the damage with tape.
3. Put appliances away
Unplug irons, hairdryers and kitchen appliances after use. Let hot appliances cool in an inaccessible place, with cords out of reach.
4. Keep electricity away from water
Keep plugged-in devices away from sinks and baths. Do not touch wet electrical equipment or enter floodwater that may be electrically live; get qualified help.
5. Respond safely to a shock
Do not touch a child who may still be in contact with electricity. Switch off the supply only if safe. Call 911 for an ongoing hazard, collapse, breathing difficulty or burns, and follow dispatcher instructions. Seek medical assessment after an electrical shock, even if marks look small.

Yes. Arrange professional infant and child first-aid training so you can practise CPR and other emergency skills before you need them.

A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team

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