Consumer Press Releases
Age Concern and The Electrical Safety Council pull the plug on unsafe electric blankets
8th September 2007
Free electric blanket testing for older people
Older people are being encouraged to pull the plug on old and unsafe electric blankets before they use them this winter.
Defective electric blankets are the cause of one in ten deaths in household fires originating from electrical faults.[1]
To help older people sleep safely and soundly this coming winter, Age Concern and The Electrical Safety Council have joined forces to offer free electric blanket testing at various locations around the UK. Older people's worn, old and potentially dangerous electric blankets will be repaired or replaced by the Electrical Safety Council free of charge and on the spot.
Nearly two thirds of the blankets tested by Age Concern since 1999 were found to have safety issues, including some with visible scorch marks.
Miranda Yates, Health and Social Care Spokesperson for Age Concern, said:
"While the number of electric blanket fires has fallen year on year since we started our free testing programme, the rate at which older people's blankets still fail our safety test is shocking. It's just not worth taking the risk. For safety's sake, we're asking older people to come forward and make an appointment to have their blankets tested by an expert."
Phil Buckle, Director, Electrical Safety Council, said:
"Before plugging in their electric blanket this winter, we urge older people to consider their safety. Tragically, fires caused by electric blankets result in high death rates. Almost all electric blanket fires start because an unsafe and untested blanket is in continued use. Having an electric blanket tested is an essential and life-saving step that older people should take every three years."
The Electrical Safety Council is funding 15 testing days across England, Wales and Scotland in October and November which are being hosted by Age Concern.
People can book an electric blanket testing appointment by calling 0845 676 00 31 between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Calls will be charged at the local rate.
Age Concern's electric safety blanket project has previously scooped up four consecutive Business in the Community Big Ticks awards (2004-7).
Key Electric Blanket Safety Measures
- When requiring another blanket, always buy new – second hand blankets may not be safe.
- To ensure your blanket is still safe to use, have it checked by an expert at least every three years– or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Always read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them
- Never use a blanket with scorch marks or exposed elements.
- Never use the blanket if it is wet or creased and do not switch it on to dry it out.
- Never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together in the same bed.
- Check the plug cord for any signs of wear or damage.
- Make sure the power is turned off at the wall and the blanket is unplugged if not in use.
- When using the blanket always spread it out - never use the blanket folded.
- Keep the blanket stored carefully over the summer months - refer to the manufacturer's instructions on how best to do this
- Some electric blankets are designed not to be washed - always check the manufacturer's instructions
[1] . Figures from Department for Communities and Local Government Research: Casualties in accidental fires in dwellings by source of ignition and cause, UK, 2005
