When young children start exploring the home, everything sparks their curiosity. Electrical outlets, extension cords and appliance cords often grab their attention. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can help reduce risks and provide a safer environment for the whole family.
What young children are tempted to do
Young children explore the world with their hands, but also with their mouths. It’s normal for them to be tempted to:
- touch an electrical outlet or insert an object into it
- slide their fingers between an outlet and the plug of a device plugged into it
- pull on a loose cord
- put a cord in their mouths and even chew on it
These behaviours are part of the normal development of a young child, but they can sometimes lead to burns or other serious injuries. By taking a few precautions as soon as your child becomes more independent, you can reduce the risk of accidents at home.
Did you know?
According to RAMQ statistics, 64 children aged 5 and under had to be taken to the emergency room in 2025 due to an electrical injury.
Reducing risks without stifling curiosity
You don’t have to completely transform your home. Just a few simple steps are enough to make the environment safer while still allowing young children to explore it.
Making outlets inaccessible
Electrical outlets are often at a child’s eye level and can naturally grab their attention. To keep hazards to a minimum:
- Install neutral-coloured outlet covers on all unused outlets. Choose durable models that are hard to remove and unappealing to young children.
- Opt for outlets with a built-in mechanism that keeps objects out.
These simple solutions help reduce the risk of electric shock.
Keep electrical cords out of reach
Cords and extension cords aren’t just a risk for electric shock. A child can also pull on the cord of a lamp, a kettle or another appliance and injure themselves by knocking the object over.
Furthermore, if a child chews on a damaged cord, they run the risk of a serious electric shock, as their saliva can conduct electricity. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce this hazard:
- Keep extension cords and electrical cords out of children’s reach.
- Secure cords along walls or use cord covers to prevent them from trailing on the floor.
- Regularly check the condition of the cords and replace any that are damaged.
- Store electrical appliances when they’re not in use.
These simple precautions allow young children to safely explore the world around them, while giving parents greater peace of mind.
Learn more
Every room in the home presents its own electrical safety challenges. For tips by room–bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room, basement–see this related article.
