(NAPSA)—When it comes to keeping youngsters safe at home, parents go to great lengths to take every conceivable precaution, from safety-latching cabinets and drawers to adding anti-scald devices to faucets and showerheads. This can make the home seem more like a prison than a castle, but at least the children are safe...or so you might think. According to recent findings by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 24,000 children 10 years of age or younger were treated in emer- gency roomsfor accidents related to electrical outlets over a 10-year span. That equates to seven children a day receiving treatment for injuries ranging from electric shock to third-degree burns and, although rare, in some cases resulting in fatalities. The injuries were the result of children inserting common household itemslike hairpins, keys, paper clips, and knives into electrical outlets. Fortunately, in response to these alarming statistics, the National Electrical Code (NEC) wasrevised to include a requirement for outlets in all new homes to be tamperresistant. And while the code changes won’t help if you’re not having a new home built, you can take the proper precautions by replacing standard outlets with tamper-resistant models. These devices are distinguished by the “TR” molded into the face of the device. How They Work Tamper-resistant outlets con- tain built-in spring-loaded shutters that prevent foreign objects from touching electrically “live” components when they are in- Tamper-resistant outlets help protect children againstelectrical shocks and burns. serted into the slots in the outlets. The shutters only accept a properly rated two-prong plug. When the outlet is not in use, both shutters are closed and the outlet openings are covered, preventing insertion of objects. Since bent, damaged or otherwise defective plug blades can makeinsertion more difficult, be sure to examine and straighten out or replace any defective plugs. Tamper-resistant receptacles offer the most foolproof solution for protecting toddlers and small children from the dangers of their coming into contact with a receptacle’s live components. By outfitting your home with tamper-resistant outlets, you can prevent your children from a potentially lifethreatening disaster. Tamper-resistant outlets can be purchased for just a few dollars more than standard outlets and come in a variety of models and colors in standard and designer styles. For more information, visit www.leviton.com.
