August 27, 2025
Back to School, Back to Safety: Electrical Tips Every Family Should Know
As summer winds down, families across New Jersey are settling back into routine and preparing for a new school year. Amid the chaos of organizing schedules, buying school supplies, and soaking in the last days of summer fun, it’s easy to overlook something that impacts everyone at home: electrical safety. Here are some of our simple, practical tips to keep your home running smoothly and safely this back to school season.
1. Childproof Outlets for Young Children
If you have little ones at home, the curiosity of plugging things into outlets can be dangerous. Invest in tamper-resistant outlets (TROs) or use outlet covers in bedrooms, playrooms, and study areas. TROs are designed to block objects that shouldn’t be inserted, reducing the risk of shocks or burns. If your home is older, consider upgrading outlets throughout the house, especially in high-traffic areas.
2. Safely Use Cords in Bedrooms and Dorms
The older kids get, the more tech seems to take over their rooms. From lamps and laptops to gaming consoles and chargers, cords can pile up quickly.
- Avoid daisy-chaining power strips. Plugging multiple strips together can overload circuits.
- Keep cords tidy and out of walkways. This prevents trips, falls, and damage to wires.
- Never tuck cords under rugs. Heat buildup under carpeting can become a fire risk.
3. Invest in Quality Surge Protectors for Laptops and Tablets
Today’s students rely heavily on electronics for homework, research, and virtual learning. A single power surge can fry laptops, tablets, or gaming systems.
Invest in quality surge protectors (not just basic power strips) to safeguard devices. For the ultimate protection, consider a whole-house surge protector installed at your electrical panel. This provides peace of mind for every plugged-in device, from tech to household appliances.
4. Utilize Electrical Tape for Quick Fixes Without Relying on It Long-Term
Electrical tape can be a helpful temporary fix if you notice minor wear on a cord or need to bundle wires safely out of the way. However, it’s not a permanent solution. If cords are frayed, outlets spark, or wires are exposed, it’s time to call a licensed electrician.
Use electrical tape to keep cords organized near desks or study areas, but be sure to schedule repairs for anything more serious.
5. Make Electrical Safety Part of the Routine
Back to school season is a great time to build safe habits, not just around homework and bedtimes, but also with everyday electrical use. For simple yet effective electrical safety, encourage kids to:
- Unplug chargers when not in use.
- Keep drinks away from electronics.
- Turn off lights, fans, and electronics when leaving a room.
- Plug devices directly into outlets when possible instead of overloading power strips.
- Dry hands completely before using anything that plugs in.
- Avoid sticking fingers or objects into outlets.
These small steps can go a long way toward preventing accidents.
Stay Safe This School Year with Esposito’s Electric
As your trusted North Jersey electrical experts, Esposito’s Electric is here to help keep your home safe, efficient, and ready for the busy school year ahead. Whether you need outlet upgrades, surge protection, or a full-home safety inspection, our licensed electricians have you covered.
Call Esposito’s Electric today to schedule an appointment and give your family the safest start to the school year.