Electricity is an amazing tool but can become dangerous when used incorrectly. As adults, we know better than to stick our fingers into an outlet, but curious kids…not so much. At Speck Family Electric, we want to help keep your family safe. So here’s our guide on how to teach kids about electrical safety.

A little boy and little girl looking out a rainy window.

Kids are naturally curious, so it’s best to start electrical safety talks early.

Start Early

When it comes to your kiddo’s safety, the earlier the better. When your kids can communicate easily and understand what you say, start talking to them about electrical safety.

Getting flustered when your kids get themselves into a dangerous situation happens, but oftentimes they won’t understand what the problem is. By sitting down and having this important conversation, especially when they’re young, your kids are more likely to retain the information and recognize a dangerous situation quickly.

Take a Tour

However hard you try, sometimes conversations just go in one ear and out the other. It’s alright, it happens. But when it comes to electrical safety, we want to make sure this information sticks in their little noggins. So, the more your child can associate the world around them with the words you say the better.

Take your kiddo on a tour around the house and shows them what you’re talking about. Point out electrical sockets and tell them how it isn’t safe to put things in it or show them power cords and how it’s best to leave them alone. By making electrical safety interactive, your kids will have fun learning how to be safe.

Learn Together

Children have a natural curiosity about the world around them. This is wonderful until electrical thingamabobs around the house pique that curiosity. But one of the best ways to help curb them from dangerous actives is to help them learn about electricity. What even is it, and how does it work?

Reading books, watching electrical safety videos together, and even online games and guides can help them understand how electricity works and why electrical safety is so important. This will also allow you to spend quality time with your kids and lay the foundation of learning that will keep them safe.

An electrical outlet on a blue wall, an important piece in electrical safety.

No putting fingers or objects into outlets.

Create Safety Rules

After you establish a foundation of knowledge about electricity, it’s time to set some stern safety rules together. Write them down or print them out and put them somewhere visible, like on the fridge or in their room. Here are a few suggested electrical safety rules for your family:

  • No putting fingers or objects into outlets.
  • No sticking fingers into toasters or other appliances.
  • Don’t touch electronics near water or when you’re wet.
  • No yanking cords when you unplug something.
  • If you’re climbing trees, don’t climb any that are near power lines.
  • Electronics and their accessories need to be handled with care.
  • If you’re ever unsure about the safety of the situation, ask an adult to help you.
Speck Family Electric Cares about Your Family

At Speck Family Electric, we know the importance of electrical safety and want to pass that information on because we care about the wellbeing of your family. If you’re ever in need of an electrical inspection or other electrical services, we’d be happy to lend a hand. We service those in Sparta, Chattanooga, Cookeville, Crossville, Gallatin, Lebanon, McMinnville, Mount Juliet, Murfreesboro, and Smithville.