Check your electric blanket before the winter

In a recent electric blanket testing session, carried out by the Council’s Environmental Health Officers, of the 26 electric blankets checked, over 50% failed to meet basic safety standards.

Speaking about the risk of faulty electric blankets, Chairman of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee, Councillor Andrew Ewing said: “The Council wants to raise awareness regarding the risk of fire. Old or damaged electric blankets cause more than 5,000 fires a year. Research has shown that electric blankets, ten years old or more are still used in homes and are responsible for 99% of the fires caused by electric blankets.”

“Each year 20 people are killed and 100 are injured in such electric blanket fires and we want to make people aware of the dangers associated with faulty blankets and highlight the simple checks that can be carried out to home to offset these dangers,” said Mr Ewing.

An electric blanket should be tested or replaced if it displays the old safety mark, (commonly known as the Kite mark), if any part of it is frayed or if the straps attaching it to the bed are damaged or missing. The flex or plug should not be worn or any connections or wires loose or damaged.

Electric blanket do’s

· Always follow the instructions

· Keep all blankets flat

· Tie electric under - blankets to the bed or mattress- this stops them slipping or creasing which damages them.

· Only leave a blanket switched on all night if it has a thermostatic controls for safe all-night use. Preheating blankets should be switched off and disconnected before getting into bed.

· If you are using an electric mattress pad, place it between the sheet and mattress; otherwise keep all electric blankets on top of you bed.

Keep the control cord on top of the bed. if the cord is damaged and is underneath the mattress, the resultant trapped heat could lead to a house fire.

Electric blanket don’ts

· Do not place electric blankets between the mattress and box spring.

· Never use an electric under - blanket as an electric over - blanket, and vice versa.

· Don’t get blankets wet, and if you blanket does get wet, don’t use it. Never switch it on to dry it.

Never use a hot water bottle in the same bed as an electric blanket.

Storing your blanket

· An under-blanket can be left tied to the bed all year round if you wish.

· An over-blanket can be rolled up, avoiding creasing as much as possible it should be stored in a dry place.

· Store separately from other bedding, if possible, or keep on top to avoid bedding pressing down on the blanket.

Store your blanket by putting it on a spare bed - but make sure it stays dry and flat.

“It is important to get your electric blanket serviced regularly, at least once every three years and have it replaced at least every ten years. Never buy a second hand blanket. It is infinitely cheaper to replace a worn electric blanket than it is to replace your home or in the worst circumstances lose a member of your family. If you are in any doubt about the condition of your electric blanket take it to a council recycling centre for disposal and buy a new one,” said Mr Ewing.

Electrical devices cannot be placed in bins and need to go to civic amenity sites for disposal. If you require any further information or advice contact please contact the Council’s Environmental Health Service on tel: 028 9250 9382