In July the ESC launched a media campaign targeting new parents and parents of young children. Our research showed that ‘nesting’ parents are putting their families’ lives at risk when preparing the home for children through unsafe DIY, common blunders and an over-reliance on socket covers.

The study found that 62% of parents use socket covers, more than any other safety product, including baby monitors and stair barriers. However, regular sockets are generally safe and the covers will not prevent electric shock if the installation is not safe. Although we can see an obvious concern for electrical safety in this use of socket covers, the study also highlighted the fact that only 38% of new parents’ homes have adequate RCD protection, well below the national average (50%).

Despite this, three quarters of new parents felt that they had taken appropriate steps to secure the safety of their children.

The lack of RCD protection is particularly worrying as two thirds of new parents (67%) undertake DIY in preparation for their child, with 45% drilling into walls or using mains-powered tools. Almost a fifth of young parents (17%) admitted to attempting DIY without being confident of electrical safety. The study also revealed a lack of awareness of basic electrical hazards in the home:

• 50% did not clear cables, which could cause stripping or strangulation
• One in ten admitted to knowingly using a faulty plug in the home
• Only a third (32%) checked plugs or wires for scorch marks or fraying in the last year
• Nearly half (47%) used electrical items dangerously close to water

The ESC campaign carries the message that the only way parents can protect their children from fatal electric shock and reduce the risk of fire is by having RCD protection – ideally in the fusebox, or as a plug-in. It encourages parents to download the free ‘Home Electrical Safety Check’ app, which allows anyone to do a quick, visual check of the home to make sure it is electrically safe. It also calls on product manufacturers and parenting advice outlets to offer parents key electrical safety advice, rather than offering socket covers as a ‘one stop’ solution.

The campaign was supported by celebrity mum, Meg Matthews, herself the victim of an electrical fire that had a devastating effect on her and her young daughter. Meg said:

“The fire that destroyed my home last year was one of the scariest experiences of my life. Many people just don’t understand how dangerous electricity can be. We learnt the hard way, but parents can protect their children and homes now by installing an RCD and downloading the ESC’s free app. I’m urging all parents to take action now – it could save you or your child’s life�.

For more on the campaign and tips for keeping your children safe, visit www.esc.org.uk/childsafety

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