3 ways to keep kids safe from electric shock at home

(NC) Children are natural explorers who can get their hands on just about everything. Parents do a lot to protect those hands — making sure they are washed regularly, removing splinters and bandaging cuts. But there are invisible dangers lurking in your home, and electrici ty is one of them.
On average, more than 110 kids under 15 end up in the emergency room each year in Ontario because of an electrical injury. More than half are under the age of five. And although people may brush off a little buzz from an outlet, new research shows that even low-voltage shocks can have serious long-term effects like memory loss, anxiety and pins and needles.
“No shock is a safe shock, and all are preventable,” says Dr. Joel Moody, director of safety risk, policy and innovation at Electrical Safety Authority.
The ESA recommends three easy home fixes to help prevent shocks for you and your kids:
1. If your outlet has a missing or broken cover plate, replace it immediately. Outlet covers create a barrier between people and exposed wires.
2. Install tamper-resistant receptacles to protect younger children from shocks. They have special shutters that cover the plug slots and help prevent little fingers or objects from going into the outlet.
3. Check all of your cords. If one is frayed or damaged, replace it. Tape won’t protect anyone from a shock. Extension cords — which should only be used temporarily — are prone to damage and can lead to a shock or fire.
If you or someone you know receives a shock, seek medical attention.
Find more tips online at esasafe.com/nosafeshock.