Our pets are an extension of our family, so protecting them from potential injuries and hazards is just as important as protecting everyone else in the household. Some of the biggest hazards in the home are electrical. In particular for curious animals who don’t understand the causes or dangers of electrocution. Pets can be the cause of electrical issues and fire hazards, especially if they enjoy chewing on cords and electronic appliances.
Below are four ways you can help protect your pets and prevent unfortunate accidents from occurring.
Handle cords safely
Whilst it may seem like a lot of effort, unplugging appliances from the wall and putting the cords away out of reach is a great way to safeguard your animals from entangling themselves or causing electrical accidents. If you can make a habit of doing this before leaving the house for the day and overnight while you’re asleep, it will significantly reduce the risk of electric shock or a house fire from igniting. Mobile phone devices are the main culprits as they are often left in low-level electrical outlets and still emit a small charge when plugged in. Moving these to a safer, higher outlet and keeping the cords away from the ground will eliminate this issue.
Have a designated electricity-free area
Like children, creating a safe playpen area for your pets free from electrical appliances, cords and outlets is a great way to have peace of mind when leaving them home alone during work hours. If this area is outside, you will need to consider the outdoor electrical hazards (such as under-ground cables if your pet likes to dig) and make sure this area offers shade and water for the animal.
Use reliable equipment
Using reliable equipment is not only a benefit for protecting your pets and family but also a quality assurance for your home’s electrical system. Avoid cutting costs on cheaper outlets, extension cords and powerboards. Reliable equipment can reduce the need for regular maintenance or replacement, save you money in the long run, and be safer for the occupants of your home.
Train your pet and educate household
As mentioned above, pets aren’t taught the dangers of electricity, which is one of the main reasons they need protection from electrical hazards. Committing to training your animals that particular areas of your home are off-limits can save their life and prevent potential house fires from happening. Often, pets explore and chew household items because they are bored and looking for entertainment. Consider purchasing chew toys or implementing more games to engage them with to eliminate some of this curiosity. Educate your household on these practices to avoid accidents. This is a timely opportunity to teach your kids about electrical safety and how they can help you protect your pet/s.
Home electrical safety is critical and should be a priority when a pet is brought into the home. If you need help upgrading your home's electrical system or outlets to protect your pets and family, please reach out to the Ehlerth Electrical team today!
