When it comes to protecting your family, few things are as important, or as overlooked, as electrical safety. Electricity powers nearly every part of our daily lives, but in the wrong hands (or paws), it can pose serious risks. Young children and curious pets are especially vulnerable because they don’t always understand the dangers lurking behind cords, outlets, and appliances.
As electricians, we at Arrow Mountain Power have seen firsthand how a few simple precautions can prevent life-threatening accidents. This guide will walk you through the best ways to keep your kids and pets safe from electrical hazards in the home while giving you peace of mind that your home’s wiring and systems are up to standard.
The first step toward a safer home is understanding what’s at stake. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), nearly 2,400 children each year are treated in emergency rooms for injuries caused by inserting objects into electrical outlets. Add in the countless pets who love to chew, scratch, or nap on warm cords, and it’s clear that electrical safety must be a top priority for every homeowner.
Electrical hazards can cause:
Shocks or burns from exposed wiring
Fires from overloaded outlets or frayed cords
Electrocution from contact with water near electrical devices
Damage to appliances and electronics from power surges
Most of these risks are easily preventable with the right combination of awareness, child- and pet-proofing, and professional maintenance.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to enhance electrical safety for children is to install tamper-resistant (TR) outlets. These outlets are designed with built-in shutters that prevent foreign objects—like toys, fingers, or utensils—from being inserted.
Unlike plastic outlet covers, which can be removed by determined toddlers, TR outlets offer a permanent solution. They’re now required by code in most new homes, but if you live in an older home, it’s worth upgrading.
Pro Tip: If your home still has standard outlets, Arrow Mountain Power can easily replace them with tamper-resistant models. It’s a simple, low-cost upgrade that can make a huge difference in your family’s electrical safety.
Loose cords are one of the biggest electrical hazards for both children and pets. Kids may trip on them, pull them out of outlets, or chew on them. Pets, especially puppies and kittens, often see cords as chew toys, which can lead to electric shocks or burns.
Here are some ways to minimize the risk:
Use cord shorteners or covers to keep cables tidy and out of sight.
Secure cords behind furniture so they can’t be easily accessed.
Unplug devices when not in use, especially those with dangling cords.
Replace frayed or damaged cords immediately.
If your home setup makes it difficult to hide cords, consider having additional outlets installed by a licensed electrician. AMP can add strategically placed outlets so cords aren’t stretched across floors or walls, improving both safety and convenience.
Water and electricity are a deadly combination, and curious kids or thirsty pets can easily create dangerous situations without realizing it. Always prioritize electrical safety by following these simple rules:
Keep hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors unplugged when not in use.
Never use extension cords or power strips in damp areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Ensure that outlets near sinks, tubs, or outdoor areas are GFCI-protected (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). These outlets automatically shut off if they detect moisture or a short circuit.
Use outlet covers on outdoor outlets to protect them from rain and sprinkler water.
If you’re unsure whether your outlets are GFCI-protected, AMP can perform a whole-home safety inspection to verify that every circuit is up to code and properly grounded.
Teaching your kids about electrical safety from a young age can help them form safe habits that last a lifetime. Make sure they understand that electricity isn’t a toy, and that only adults should plug in or unplug devices.
Here are a few talking points to cover:
Never touch outlets, cords, or light switches with wet hands.
Don’t stick fingers or objects into outlets.
Ask for help if something needs to be plugged in or fixed.
Don’t play near electrical panels or power tools.
Creating a safety-first mindset is one of the most powerful ways to prevent accidents—and it’s never too early to start.
Pet owners know how unpredictable animals can be. From chewing on cords to curling up behind appliances, pets can unknowingly put themselves at risk. Protect them (and your home) with these simple steps:
Use cord protectors or flexible tubing to cover exposed cables.
Block access to areas behind TVs, dryers, and refrigerators.
Unplug devices like lamps or chargers when not in use.
Avoid using string lights or dangling decorations within pet reach.
Consider outlet covers for low-mounted outlets that are easy for pets to access.
In homes with large dogs or energetic cats, it’s also smart to anchor heavy electronics and lamps to prevent tipping, especially if your pet gets tangled in cords.
Overloaded circuits can overheat and cause fires—posing one of the most dangerous threats to electrical safety in any home.
Warning signs of an overloaded circuit include:
Flickering lights
Warm or discolored outlets
Frequently tripped breakers
Buzzing sounds from panels or outlets
If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a professional. AMP can evaluate your electrical load, upgrade your panel if needed, and redistribute wiring so that power flows safely throughout your home.
Power surges don’t just damage electronics, they can create hidden electrical hazards, especially if they affect outlets or appliances your kids and pets can touch. Installing whole-home surge protection keeps voltage spikes from damaging circuits, outlets, and devices.
Surge protection is a small investment that pays big dividends in both electrical safety and long-term savings. AMP regularly installs surge protectors that integrate directly with your main electrical panel, offering full-home protection, not just for your gadgets, but for your family’s peace of mind.
Even if everything seems fine on the surface, outdated or faulty wiring can create unseen dangers. A professional inspection every few years helps catch small issues before they become big problems.
During a safety inspection, Arrow Mountain Power checks for:
Proper grounding and bonding
GFCI/AFCI protection in required areas
Signs of wire damage, corrosion, or overheating
Overloaded circuits or undersized panels
Regular inspections are one of the best ways to ensure ongoing electrical safety and maintain compliance with local codes, especially if you’ve recently renovated, added new appliances, or moved into an older home.
DIY projects have their place, but electrical work isn’t one of them. Attempting repairs or installations without the proper training can put your entire family at risk.
If you ever experience flickering lights, burning smells, sparking outlets, or tripped breakers that won’t reset, don’t wait. Call a licensed professional right away.
At Arrow Mountain Power, we provide trusted, high-quality electrical solutions throughout Easley, South Carolina, and surrounding areas. Our team combines experience, integrity, and craftsmanship to deliver safe, reliable results that protect your home and everyone in it. Want to see what our customers are saying about our work? Check out our reviews on Google and Facebook.
When it comes to keeping your kids and pets safe, peace of mind comes from knowing your electrical system is sound. AMP offers a full range of services to help you achieve that:
Home safety inspections
Panel upgrades and rewiring
GFCI and surge protection installations
Child- and pet-proof outlet solutions
Lighting, smart home, and safety upgrades
We believe that true electrical safety isn’t just about preventing accidents; it’s about creating a home where your family can thrive without worry.
Our mission is to serve others, honor God, and illuminate homes through dependable, high-quality work that stands the test of time.
Let us help you power your home safely, because your family deserves nothing less.
Phone: 864.774.9267
Email: info@arrowmtnpower.com
Website: arrowmtnpower.com
Serving: Easley, SC, and surrounding areas
Arrow Mountain Power — Electricity. Elevated.
