With snow and ice already causing havoc on roads, this January’s severe weather conditions are continuing to batter the nation.
Bristol has been bracing against the cold, with the mercury dropping to a frosty -4, and it’s not set to rise above zero until the weekend. Meanwhile, some places in the UK are set to see temperatures plummeting to as low as -10 over the next week.
While some might crank up the heating without hesitation, the cost of living crisis has ensured that others will be reaching for blanket hoodies, donning extra thick socks, and switching on electric blankets all of which cost significantly less than heating an entire home.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, however, has issued a stark warning on TikTok about the potential fire hazards posed by electric blankets if not used properly.
“Electric blankets and portable heaters are a great way to keep warm on a budget,” they noted. And in their informative TikTok post, they detailed checks that should be carried out before usage.
They cautioned: “Electric blankets are a very cost-effective way to keep warm this winter. However, it is important that we make sure that we use these correctly.
“Before use, make sure you check for any damaged cables, as this may affect the use of the blanket. Make sure it is plugged into a wall socket and not an extension cable, and you must make sure that it is unplugged and turned off before you go to bed.”
These guidelines are crucial for both underblankets used to heat your bed and overblankets to keep warm while lounging, as well as any other heated devices connecting to the mains.
The London Fire Brigade advises replacing your electric blanket if you notice:.
- Fabric that’s worn or frayed
- Visible scorch marks on the fabric
- Exposed wires poking through the material
- Any damage to the electrical cord
- A buzzing sound from control buttons upon activation or any emitted odour
- Damage or overheating in the blanket’s fitted connector
Moreover, they strongly encourage people to adhere to their top six safety tips when using an electric blanket:
- Always unplug blankets before getting into bed unless it features a safe all-night use thermostat control
- Avoid the use of electric blankets if you’re using an airflow pressure relief mattress or apply emollient creams
- Never combine the usage of a hot water bottle and an electric blanket
- Steer clear from purchasing second-hand electric blankets
- Regularly inspect for wear and tear and aim to replace your blanket at least every decade
- When storing electric blankets, keep them flat, rolled up or loosely folded to avoid internal wiring damage
Sticking to these rules will help to ensure that you have a safe and snug winter.