Consumer Press Releases
Get electric blankets checked before winter
15th September 2008
With winter already just around the corner, the Electrical Safety Council is turning up the heat on old and unsafe electric blankets in ??????.
Faulty electric blankets are the cause of one in ten deaths in household fires that are started by electrical appliances.* To help reduce the numbers of unsafe electric blankets in homes the Electrical Safety Council, with the support of ????? is offering free electric blanket tests at ????? on ????. Blankets will be tested by qualified electric blanket testers and repaired, if appropriate. Worn, old and potentially dangerous electric blankets will be replaced, free of charge, by the Electrical Safety Council.
Last winter nearly 70% of the blankets tested on behalf of the Electrical Safety Council were found to have safety issues.
“An electric blanket is a great way to keep warm over the winter months,” says Phil Buckle of the Electrical Safety Council. “But it’s crucial that people visually check their blankets regularly for signs of wear and damage and replace them with new blankets where necessary, as tragically fires caused by faulty electric blankets are not uncommon.
“Testing days show us that many people are using blankets that are old and potentially unsafe and many people just aren’t aware of the dangers. Certainly if your electric blanket is more than 10 years old we would advise that it be replaced and of course you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using your blanket.”
To book an appointment at the electric blanket testing day call the Electrical Safety Council on: 01582 556 563.
Phil adds, “We would also ask people to check on elderly friends and relatives to help spot potentially unsafe blankets before they get plugged in this winter.”
The Electrical Safety Council has the following safety advice:
- Always buy new – second hand electric blankets may not be safe.
- Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow them.
- If an electric blanket is more than 10 years old, consider disposing of it safely and buying a new one.
- To ensure your electric blanket is still safe to use, check it regularly for signs of wear or damage.
- Never use an electric blanket with scorch marks or exposed elements.
- Check the plug and cord for any signs of wear or damage.
- Never use an electric blanket if it is wet or creased and do not switch it on to dry it out.
- Never use the electric blanket folded – always spread it out fully.
- Never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together in the same bed.
- Make sure the power is turned off at the wall and the electric blanket is unplugged if not in use.
- Some electric blankets are not designed to be washed - always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep the electric blanket stored carefully - refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how best to do this.
The Electrical Safety Council operates a telephone help-line providing advice on electrical safety issues, including electric blankets, 0870 040 0561
*Figures from Department for Communities and Local Government Research: Casualties in accidental fires in dwellings by source of ignition and cause, UK, 2005
