I keep mine unplugged for that exact same reason...
Pic of my veggie gardenc taken today
Greenbrain, you may want to do like I do. I have a little one who likes to help. I keep the shredder part on the highest shelf in my closet. The base stays in my office. When I'm ready to shred, I place the shredder on top of the base, and shred away. When I'm finished it goes back up in the closet. Two different locations so there is no chance of little fingers getting hurt.