Safety Sense > Shock & Burn Care Causes & Prevention

Electrical burns occur when current flows from an electrical outlet, cord or appliance and passes through your body. The electricity can burn the skin - sometimes very deeply - and may also cause internal damage. How quickly you heal depends on the severity of the burns and injuries. In case of an emergency, it's important to know the signs of a burn, how to prevent them and how to care for these serious injuries.

To prevent electrical burns:

• Never poke foreign objects into an electrical plug. Cover unused electrical outlets with childproof plug covers, available in hardware stores and the baby section of department stores.
• Do not use electrical appliances near standing or running water.
• Do not stick forks or knives into toasters or other plugged-in appliances.
• Repair or replace any frayed or worn electrical cords. Teach children NEVER to suck or chew on these cords.