Keeping Your Pet Safe Around Electricity
Your family pet can turn anything it finds in and around the home into a play or chew toy. It’s important to make sure your pets don’t add electrical devices to their toy chest.
A frisky dog or curious cat can cause an electrical hazard or fire in ways you may not have thought about. Safe Electricity offers this safety checklist:
• Keep electrical cords away from puppies and kittens so they don’t chew on them and receive a severe shock. If you have difficulty getting your pet to stop chewing on the cord, you can paint it with a bitter tasting polish or wrap the cord in a thick plastic sleeve.
• Make sure nightlights and appliances are completely plugged into wall outlets. Partially exposed prongs are a hazard for curious children, puppies and kittens.
• Keep halogen lamps away from play areas for pets and children. Some halogen bulbs can reach very high temperatures, and if knocked over during play, could easily start a fire.
• Keep appliances near sinks and bathtubs a safe distance away from the water source. Playful pets can knock radios, curling irons and other items into the water, creating a dangerous situation.
• Discourage cats and dogs from curling up for a nap behind warm computer equipment. Pets need to be kept away from all electrical connections.