5 Ways to Prevent Your Pets from Electrical Hazards

Your furry friends are important members of the family, and it’s important to protect your pets and keep them safe from harm. You know to build a fence and prevent them from eating unhealthy foods, but one potential threat that often gets overlooked is electrical hazards. Electronic devices often have bright colors and noises that grab your pet’s attention. They may be drawn to dangerous wires, machinery or other devices that may break and cause harm to your pet, your family, or even your home. Keep your pets safe and secure your home from electrical hazards by following our five tips for electrical safety:

1. Keep Wires Away from Pets

The best way to keep your pets safe from electrical hazards is by keeping them away from wires and other cords. Consider tucking cords to your television or other electronics behind an entertainment console to keep them out of your pet’s line of sight. If you can’t hide the cords, we recommend purchasing covers for the wires.

2. Unplug Cords When Not in Use

If you can’t hide the wires in your home, protect your pets by unplugging your cords when not in use. Many outlets are low to the ground, right in the eyeline of your pet. Your furry friend could easily knock the cord out of the outlet while playing, or worse, they could rip the cord out of the wall thinking it’s a toy. If there’s no need for the cord to be plugged in, we recommend unplugging it and putting the cord on an elevated surface to keep your appliances or electronics safe.

3. Never Leave Portable Heaters Unattended

There’s no better place for your pet to take a snooze than in a nice, warm spot in your home. Portable heaters are dangerous for pets, who might knock them over or even receive burns from the hot temperatures. Keep your pets safe and improve your home’s electrical safety by using blankets or raising the temperature on the thermostat to keep your pets warm and cozy.

4. Don’t Leave Electronic Devices and Appliances Near Water

This might seem like a no-brainer, but you might not realize how many of your appliances are plugged-in near a water source. Playful pets can easily knock cell phones, curling irons, or even hair dryers into the water, creating a major threat to your home’s electrical safety. As previously suggested, it’s best to unplug these cords when not in use; however, if it’s necessary to keep the cord plugged-in, we recommend training your pet not to play in the area where the item is used.

5. Don’t Forget About Maintaining a Safe Play Area

Most pets love spending time outdoors, especially when the weather is nice, and your yard is a wonderful place for your pet to relax, play and entertain themselves (and you). By giving your pet a fun, safe environment, you can make them happy and keep them safe as possible.

A secure fence is essential to pet safety. There are many different options to choose from, including the traditional fence or electronic barrier fences, or sometimes call invisible fences. These fences require a dedicated outlet either in your garage or on the exterior of your house.

Also, keep pets away from any electrical hazards including decorative lighting, HVAC wiring, or underground wiring. It’s important to keep your walkways clear of wires to prevent your pets or family members from injuring themselves or damaging an outlet.

How Can I Make My Pet and Home Safe from Electrical Hazards?

The first step in protecting your pets from electrical hazards is ensuring your home’s electrical system is safe, reliable, and up-to-code. The team at Milton Electric can inspect your electrical systems and fix any issues that may arise, as well as install exterior power to your house if you decide an electronic barrier fence is what you need. Contact the team at (410) 276-3420 or schedule an appointment to learn more.