Child Safety Outlet Covers

Safe and sound

Wall outlets

Babies and small children are incredibly inquisitive; it is because of this that you need to protect them by purchasing and installing safe outlet covers. Before running out to purchase safe electrical outlet covers you must determine the types you have. Most homes have either standard outlets or decorative wall outlet covers, or more likely a combination. Here is the difference:

Standard outlets have only one screw in the middle of the outlet.

Decorator outlets have two screws, one at the top and one at the bottom.

Once you know the type of outlets you have, you must get an accurate count and purchase your new covers.

You may want to avoid replacing your outlet covers by purchasing outlet caps that are non-conductive and are held in place by the outlet itself. Outlet plates are preferable because of their special slide that shuts over an outlet. The slide moves into place as soon as you remove the plug. Caps when removed are easily misplaced which can leave an outlet unprotected.

Power strips

Surge protectors and power strips are often forgotten when childproofing the electrical outlets in a home. If you use these devices you need to make them safe for an environment that includes small children. Often, power strips are very attractive to toddlers' wandering minds and hands. Use a power strip safety cover to block access to the outlets.

You can use these devices to make the strip both neat and inaccessible. They work like electrical outlet covers by closing off individual outlets as the plugs are removed. The power strip cover also covers the entire strip area including the power switch. They install easily and will give homeowners and parents added piece of mind.

Outlet safety

It is also important for parents to have a safety regimen in addition to purchasing safety covers. The following are a number of tips to use to improve overall safety.

Parents and homeowners should check to make sure that children are not prone to tampering with outlets.

Teaching children about the dangers of electricity and reinforcing these lessons is very important.

Christmas decorations should be given special care.

Look at where cords join plugs and enter electronics to examine for wear and tear.

Vigilance and communication are paramount, so don't just go through the motions of childproofing!

More information on electrical outlet covers