In a recent electric blanket testing initiative conducted by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, results revealed that over a third of electric blankets failed checks.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service held 14 electric blanket testing sessions across, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove this autumn. Out of the 492 electric blankets tested, a shocking 182 blankets failed and are no longer being used.
With the colder months approaching, this highlights the importance of prioritising home safety, including electric blanket safety, for families and loved ones.
By raising awareness and actively engaging with communities, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service aims to reduce the risk associated with electric blanket usage and promote overall fire safety in the home.
Prevention Manager, Lisa Priestman said:
‘’We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of the communities we serve. The electric blanket statistics highlight the critical importance of raising awareness about home safety. We encourage everyone to take advantage of our free home safety visits, which provide essential guidance and practical tips to help keep you and your home safe."
Home Safety Visits
If you would like to find out more about our free Home Safety check service you can:
- call us on 0800 177 7069
- complete and return a Home Safety Visit Request Form. This asks a number of questions so we can make sure we send the right members of our team to support you.
More than blankets
During the events project partners were on hand to discuss issues around health, benefit advice, scams, security, housing issues and the warm home check scheme.
We’d like to thank our partners who were involved in the events including:
Wealden Benefits Department
One You – healthy lifestyle information and advice
Citizen Advice Bureaux – SCAMS and general information
Retrofix Works – warm home scheme
Hastings Housing options and disabled facilities grants
Sussex Police – SCAMs and security
Brighton and Hove Council – healthy lifestyles
NHS Sussex Partnership – health and blood pressure monitoring
Electric Blanket Safety tips
Here are some simple tips to stay safe when using electric blankets.
- Regular Inspections: Examine your electric blanket for any signs of wear, fraying, or damage before use.
- Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Adhere to the manufacturer's instructions regarding usage, washing, and storage of electric blankets.
- Avoid Overheating: Never leave an electric blanket turned on for an extended period and switch it off before getting into bed.
- No Pets or Heavy Objects: Keep pets and heavy objects off the electric blanket to prevent damage.
- Replace Old Blankets: If your electric blanket is more than ten years old or shows signs of wear, consider replacing it with a newer model.
You can find out more here: https://www.esfrs.org/electric-blankets
