Electric Blanket Safety: Alarming failure rates spark home safety awareness
In a recent electric blanket testing initiative conducted by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, results revealed that nearly a third of electric blankets failed checks.
Out of the 510 electric blankets tested, a huge 169 blankets failed and are no longer being used.
Funding from Public Health allowed the Service to offer replacements to a number of those who attended the sessions.
With the colder months approaching, this highlights the importance of prioritsing 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.
Home Safety visits
The events saw an increased uptake for home safety visits compared to previous years, generating a pleasing staggering 102 visits, compared to 33 in 2022.
Community Safety Manager, Lisa Priestman said:
‘’We’re committed to ensuring the wellbeing of our community. The electric blanket figures are a stark reminder of the heightened need for awareness around home safety. We welcome and encourage uptake of our free home safety visits which offer valuable insights and practical advice.’’
If you would like to find out more about our free Home Safety check service you can:
- call us on 0800 177 7069
- or 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
Those who attended were also able to take advantage of blood pressure tests from local NHS and additional wellbeing advice and support for keeping warm this winter with the help of fuel poverty experts from our local councils.
Representatives from Trading Standards and Sussex Police were on hand to provide the public in East Sussex with useful information on current scams that are operating in the area.
And in Brighton and Hove members from Together Co were also able to talk to residents about the social prescribing service.
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