‘Many people don’t realise how quickly they can become dangerous’
A fire safety consultant has issued an urgent warning about electric blankets. Anyone who owns one at home is urged to check it for a ‘common hazard’, which increases the risk of a fire.
With the weather remaining cold, many UK households will use cost-effective gadgets to stay warm without overspending on central heating bills. Finance expert Martin Lewis says ‘heating the person, not the home’, is one of many ways people can help themselves save on high energy bills over the winter months – and gadgets like electric blankets can be particularly handy.
On average, a heated blanket uses less than 10p of electricity for an hour of warmth, a major saving compared to how much it can cost to put the heating system on. But these blankets have a shelf life, and prolonged use can lead to hazards developing, especially if users don’t know the warning signs to watch for.
Rob Watchorn is a director and fire safety consultant at The Fire Co. He said there are both obvious and subtle warning signs that might mean it’s time to get rid of your blanket and replace it with a new one.
“While electric blankets can feel like a safe, sensible way to stay warm, especially with rising energy costs, many people don’t realise how quickly they can become dangerous,” he said. “After all, damage isn’t always obvious, and just because a blanket still heats up doesn’t mean it’s safe to use.”
The specialist said there are four checks anyone with an electric blanket should do regularly to ensure they don’t put themselves or their home at risk. They include:
- Fraying fabric
- Scorch marks
- Exposed wires
- A controller that feels hot to the touch
Rob added: “One of the biggest issues we see is people continuing to use electric blankets well beyond their safe lifespan. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them after around ten years, but many people keep using them simply because they ‘still work’.
“On top of that, you should never use an electric blanket if you have an air flow pressure relief mattress or emollient creams. Using a hot water bottle at the same time is also a big no-no, as mixing water and electricity increases the risk of electrocution and fire.”
The specialist added that buying a second-hand blanket might seem like a bargain at the time, but claims it is “not wise” as it can be impossible to know the complete history. He said: “We have seen cases where even newer blankets bought online were found to be unsafe due to faulty plugs or internal damage.”
Check an electric blanket for safety concerns
Rob said: “While many modern electric blankets include improved safety features, no electrical product is completely risk-free. Of course, that doesn’t mean we should stop using electric blankets altogether, but we should treat them with caution.
“Checking them regularly, storing them flat or loosely folded to prevent damage to the internal wiring, and unplugging them before sleep, unless they are specifically designed for overnight use, can significantly reduce the risk of a devastating house fire.
Rob said that most UK councils and fire services offer testing schemes, allowing you to have your blanket assessed by a professional. If you’re ever unsure about the condition of your electric blanket, the safest option is to stop using it and replace it.
