As a pet owner, you want to do everything you can to keep your furry friend safe and healthy. However, did you know that electrical safety is an important consideration? Just like young children, pets are curious and can get into trouble if they’re not supervised. To help prevent accidents, here are a few electrical safety tips for pet owners.
1. Avoid Leaving Easy to Reach Electrical Cords Plugged In
Our furry friends can be curious and playful, often acting on instinct more than reason. This makes it all too easy for them to encounter electrical cords left lying around in easy-to-reach areas. By taking proactive steps to secure cords out of your pets’ reach, you can help minimize their risk of being shocked or injured by an exposed wire. You can do this by tucking cords away behind furniture or cabinets, or by purchasing cord covers or cable organizers from your local hardware store.
2. Turn Off Washing Machines and Dish Washers
When you have pets in the house, it is always advisable to avoid leaving your washing machines or dishwashers on. This is because pets may be tempted to investigate these appliances, which can pose a serious risk for them. If something goes wrong with either of these appliances while they are running, there may be dangerous electrical currents that can cause electrical shocks and severe burns. Additionally, if your pet ingests any detergent or other cleaning chemicals from around these machines, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially even death.
3. Secure Exposed Bulbs and Freestanding Lamps
Cats, dogs, and other furry friends are often drawn to the warmth of a lamp or the light of an exposed bulb. Unfortunately, this can pose a serious safety hazard. Pets can knock over lamps, which could cause a fire. They can also chew on cords, causing electrical shocks. If bulbs break, they could get glass into their paws. To help keep your pets safe, be sure to secure all freestanding lamps and exposed bulbs. Place lamps on sturdy surfaces and tuck cords out of reach. Use covers or guards on exposed bulbs, and keep lamps out of areas where your pets like to play.
4. Invest in Pet-Proof Cords
Pets are a beloved part of our households, but they can also pose a serious safety risk if electrical cords are left within their reach. Chewing on cords can damage wires and create a fire hazard, so it’s important to take precautions if you have pets in your home. One simple solution is to purchase pet-proof cords, which are designed to help deter chewing. These cords are usually made from thicker materials that are difficult for teeth to penetrate. Most of these cords are coated in a bitter-tasting substance, which will deter most pets from taking a nibble, while still allowing you complete control over your electronics. In addition, with a variety of different sizes, styles, and colors available, you’re sure to find the perfect cord for your home.
5. Keep Flammable Materials Out of Reach
If you have flammable materials like alcohol, gasoline cans, or even perfume bottles near electrical appliances, your pet could push them close to the heat and cause a fire. To keep your pet safe, it’s important to avoid leaving these materials out. Instead, store them in a safe place where your pet can’t reach them.
6. Inspect Your Wiring Often
Electrical wiring can easily become damaged by chewing or clawing, potentially putting your four-legged friends at risk. However, by checking your wiring regularly and ensuring that it is in good condition, you can minimize the chances of an electrical fire starting in your home. Whether this involves closely watching for frayed or broken wires, replacing faulty appliances, or installing updated safety features like ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), taking steps to protect yourself and your pets from potential dangers will help keep everyone safe.
7. Ensure All Appliances Are Plugged in Fully
If plugs are not fully plugged into a socket, they can become too loose and potentially cause arcing or fire. This is especially problematic if you have pets in your home, as they can easily pull a plug out of the socket without even realizing it. To prevent danger from electrical sockets and plugs, always make sure that plugs are fully inserted into the sockets and that are no loose or frayed wires or other signs of damage. Additionally, try to avoid overloading your outlets with too many devices at once, as this puts extra stress on the wiring system and increases the risk of sparks or fire.
8. Keep Electrical Appliances Away From Water Source
Whether it’s a sink, a bathtub, or even a pool of water on the floor, you need to be vigilant about avoiding situations where your electrical devices could get wet. This is especially important if you have playful pets in your home, as they may accidentally knock these appliances into the water and potentially cause serious damage. Fortunately, there are a few simple strategies to use to keep your appliances safe from errant paws and tails. For example, you can install safety gates around areas with pools or tubs of water to prevent access by your pets. Additionally, consider storing all electrical devices up high so they are out of reach from them.
9. Avoid Leaving Portable Heaters Switched On and Unattended
Always make sure to keep your heater turned off and out of reach when you’re not home. Also, never leave the portable heater on and unattended. If you must leave the room for even a short period, remember to turn off the appliance first. This is because as cute as they may be, our furry friends can be quite curious, and a knocked-over heater can quickly start a fire.
10. Ensure Safety of Your Electrical Devices and Appliances
When using any type of electrical appliance or device, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s manual and instructions. This ensures that you are operating the device safely and correctly, preventing injuries or damage to yourself or your belongings. Moreover, if you have a pet in your home, it is especially essential to adhere to guidelines that relate to pets as well. Pets can easily become tangled in cords or knocked into warm surfaces, putting them at risk for injury or even death.
11. Check All Wall Outlets and Switches
To help keep your pet safe, make it a habit to check all of your wall outlets and switches regularly. If any are warm to the touch, call a professional immediately as this could be an indication of an electrical problem. Additionally, keep an eye on your pet around outlets and discourage them if they try to bite or put their tongues or paws on these fixtures.
Let Professionals Pet-Proof Your Electrical Appliances Today!
At Huft Home Services, we are dedicated to providing the best possible service to the residents of Sacramento and the surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of services including cooling, heating, and plumbing. We also offer financing plans, so you can get the service you need to meet your budget. Contact us today.