How To Child Proof Electrical Cords Like A Pro

Tips on How to Child Proof Electrical Cords

Electrical outlet covers are excellent for those you do not use it often. However, there’s a good chance that most of your outlets are consistently being used. Just think of all of the chargers, lamps, and entertainment systems that are always plugged in. Then there are curling irons, hairdryers, toasters, blenders, vacuum cleaners, and others. All of these also have long cords. And long cords are considered dangerous to children because they can:

• Pull out the electrical cord and have access to the outlet.
• Wrap the wire around their necks and accidentally choke themselves.
• Chew on the cable and get shocked.
• Play with damaged, open cords.
• Trip over long cords.
• Sustain electrical burns.

Luckily, childproofing your electrical cords is simpler than you think. Check out these five simple steps on how to child proof electrical cords, especially the long ones.

• Assess Exposed Outlets. One of the easiest ways on how to child proof electrical cords is to keep cords away from your little ones. You can block them off with furniture pieces. Assess your home and check which outlets are exposed. If possible, strategically arrange furniture in front of exposed outlets as a barrier. Secure your furniture at home to prevent heavy furniture from tipping over and accidentally falling on your children.
• Use a Cord Shortener Or Cover. If you are incapable of placing a barrier in front of electrical outlets, get a cord shortener, cord cover, or both. A cord shortener enables you to keep excess long cords inside a holder that your child can’t reach. This will prevent tugging and pulling of the cord. The cord cover usually comes with an outlet cover, which will keep the plug and the cord is hidden away so it can’t be pulled out from the outlet.
• Secure the Cords Down. In most cases, your house may have long cords running along the wall or across the room. Strap them down to the floor using tape or cover them up with your carpets. You can also use a duct cord cover. Duct cord covers let you string various cords through silicone or a plastic cover that stays on the floor. This will prevent children from tripping or pulling multiple long cords and damaging stuff.
• Wrap the Cords. In sections of your home where you have various cords, such as near the computer or entertainment center, wrap or cover the cords together. This will not only keep things organized, but children will less likely play with them. There are tons of tools that will help you wrap cords together. We suggest that you use a cord sleeve. Cord sleeves are harder to remove and will not pose a potential choking hazard if removed.
• Cord Protectors. Cord protectors will keep your cords safe from children. If a child attempts to bite, bend, or destroy the cord, the protector will prevent damage to the cord. This will also protect your child from damaged cords. Cord protectors are a great option if you have rowdy children and want to avoid repairing damaged cords on a regular basis.

How To Child-Proof Power Strips

Power strips can endanger kids to an extreme amount of electricity in one place. Buy a cover to prevent your power strip from becoming a hazardous toy. Power strip covers are commonly made of plastic and have a long split on one side. The slit enables the cords to come through while concealing the outlets and power button.