With the weather having taken a chilly turn last week people might be taking their electric blankets out of the cupboard ready for autumn and winter.
The warning comes after an incident at the weekend (14 September) in Portsmouth where an electric blanket was identified as the cause of a bedroom fire.
Crews from Southsea attended the incident on Saturday afternoon and used a hose reel jet to extinguish fire. Once the fire was out the crew carried out a safe and well with the residents.
Using your blanket safely
- Before using the blanket, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some can be used under the person in the bed others go over the top.
- Check the electric blanket frequently for detached tie tapes, frayed edges, scorch marks and damaged or loose electrical connections and that the connector isn’t over-heating. Also make sure that the control doesn’t make a buzzing noise or give off a scorching smell.
- Never use a hot water bottle in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off.
- Unplug blankets before you get into bed unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use.
- When storing an electric blanket, don’t fold it as this may damage the internal wiring. Store flat or rolled up.
- Get your blanket tested by a qualified electrician at least every three years.
- If your blanket is more than 10 years old, you should consider disposing of it and buying a new one. Blankets being disposed of should be taken to a recycling facility which accepts electric and electronic appliances.