6 Tips to Maintaining Bathroom Electrical Safety for the Elderly
Electrical safety is very important to always maintain in a home. It is even more important in areas like the bathroom, where electrical items and even outlets are constantly faced with risks of water exposure. We all know the detrimental effects of combining water with electricity. But how exactly can you maintain electrical safety in the bathroom?
Tip No. 1: Have your outlets periodically checked and equipped with GFCI
If your home is new, make sure that the electrical wirings and outlets have been properly designed and implemented by an experienced electrician. Make sure to maintain the practice of having your outlets checked periodically (at least once a year). Invest in weather-proof sockets, and make sure to decide in accordance to suggestions made by a qualified electrician.
Tip No. 2: Have a GFCI ground interrupter installed
Bathroom outlets, in particular, must have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). These electrical add-ons have the ability to detect when there is a mix of electricity with water. When such combination is detected, the current is immediately turned off to prevent electrocution and shock. If your bathroom outlets do not have GFCI, make sure to have it installed as soon as possible.
Tip No. 3: Keep electrical items away from the sink, the tub, the shower, and the toilet area
It is best to avoid putting or even using electrical items in your bathroom. If you must, keep them in a closet or drawer placed on high shelves, or use battery-operated devices instead. Never use electrical items when running water or a tub or pail full of water is nearby.
Tip No. 4: Never overload outlets, especially in the bathroom
Overloading outlets are prime causes of overheating, which can progress into an electrical fire. Never plug all appliances at once. Make sure to unplug every electrical device you use in the bathroom as soon as you are done using.
Tip No. 5: Never use extension cords in the bathroom
Extension cords do not belong to the bathroom, so keep them out at all times. Any wear or tear that the cord gets subjected to would cause wires to become exposed. It may in contact with water on the floor or on the countertop without you noticing – and it can be fatal for you and the other members of the household.
Tip No. 6: Plug only when necessary and unplug right after
If it is possible to keep electrical items in the bathroom (apart from the heater and other features), the safer your bathroom will be. Should you need to use electrical items like shaver or hair dryer, be sure to unplug them right after use and keep them away.
Keeping the bathroom safe from electrical problems should always be top priority. Electrical safety in the bathroom is much more important if you have children, or if you have an elderly or disabled persons in your home. Be sure to make them understand the risks involved and to keep them informed and protected at all times.
