Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service is urging people to make sure their electric blankets are safe to use as the weather turns colder. A simple check could save your life.
During a Home Fire Risk Check in September a dangerous 20 year old electric blanket was discovered at the home of an elderly man. The Electrical Safety Council recommends that electric blankets be replaced after 10 years.
Consequences of unchecked blankets can be deadly. In November 2015 in Burslem, and in May this year in Featherstone, 2 fatal fires were found to have been caused by faulty electric blankets.
The service recommends you take a few minutes to check over your blanket before putting it on the bed to use over the winter months. Your blanket should be replaced with a new one if:
- The fabric is worn or frayed
- Scorch marks or discolouration areas are visible on the fabric
- Wires are visible or poking through the fabric
- There is damage to the flexible cord between the supply plug and the control and/or the control to the blanket
- The control is making a buzzing sound when switched on and/or is giving off a smell
- The connector fitted to the blanket is damaged or overheating.
It is important to get your blanket checked to make sure it is still safe to use – ideally this should be once a year by a competent electrician.
Service Prevent Manager Carmel Warren said: “The consequences of using older or faulty electric blankets can be devastating so we cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring that your electric blanket is safe to use. All older or faulty blankets should be replaced. It isn’t just older blankets that can place you at risk. Folding electric blankets can sometimes damage the internal wiring, making them dangerous. If in doubt throw them out. The risks just aren’t worth taking.”
Home Fire Risk Checks are a vital part of the Service’s work to prevent fires. Over 30,000 were carried out across the county last year. Call 0800 0241 999 to book a free Home Fire Risk Check or visit www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/bookyourhfrc.asp
