Following the death of an elderly gentleman at the weekend due to a fire which is thought to have been caused by a faulty electric blanket: Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has issued the following safety advice.
· Check your electric blanket and cable regularly for wear and tear and replace them every 10 years.
· Remember don’t use adaptors with electric blankets they must be plugged in to a dedicated socket.
· Don’t leave electric blankets folded as this damages the internal wiring. Store them flat or rolled up
· Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if it is switched off.
· Unplug blankets before you get into bed unless they have a thermostatic control for all night use.
· When choosing your electric blanket, you should buy it from a reliable source. Check that it has a UK safety standard mark - a symbol that means the blanket has been independently tested and meets the latest UK and European safety standards.
· Do not buy second hand blankets.
· Get a qualified electrician to test them every three years.
· If you are in any doubt about your blanket, contact the manufacturer before you use it to make sure that it is safe. It may need to be replaced.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service offer FREE Home Fire Safety checks and fit smoke alarms FREE of charge for elderly and vulnerable people in the community.
If you know someone who may benefit from this service, call freephone 0800 180 41 40. You MUST get the permission of the nominee if you are nominating someone else for a Home Fire Safety Check.
