Free Electric Blanket testing in October
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are encouraging residents to put dates in their diaries for this year’s electric blanket testing events.
Last year over 30% of the blankets tested failed the safety checks, which could have resulted in serious incidents or even house fires.
We will be operating testing centres in fire stations and halls across East Sussex, Brighton & Hove.
It is a FREE service, and we would advise everyone to bring their electric blanket and /or heat pad, with the controls, for a safety check.
The project is being supported by partners from the Warm Home Check Service, Healthy Living/One You and Councils providing benefit advice.
Choosing your electric blanket
- Buy your electric from a reliable source
- Always buy new when choosing an electric blanket - secondhand blankets may not be safe and you can't be sure they meet current safety requirements.
- Check that it has a UK safety standard mark, this means that is has been independently tested and meets UK and European safety standards.
Using your electric blanket
- Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions before use
- Never use an electric underblanket as an overblanket (or vice versa)
- Don't use the blanket while it's still folded or creased
- Don't use a hot water bottle at the same time as using your electric blanket
- Don't touch the blanket if you have wet hands or feet, and never use the blanket if it's wet or damp
- Don't insert or use pins to hold the blanket in place on the bed
Check your blanket regularly for signs of wear or damage
- Are there any scorch marks or discoloured areas on the fabric of the blanket?
- Are wires visible or poking through the fabric?
- Is the fabric is frayed or worn?
- Is there any damage to the power cable between the plug and the blanket's control or between the control and the blanket?
- Does the control make a buzzing sound when switched on or gives off a scorching smell?
- Is the blanket's connector - where the electrical cable plugs into the blanket - damaged or over-heating?
If you're 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.
Storing your electric blanket
Even when your blanket is not in use, you can leave it on the bed all year round or place it flat on a spare bed.
If you put the blanket away, it should be stored as the manufacturer recommends or as follows:
- Let it cool down before folding
- Loosely fold or roll it in a towel or plastic bag and store it in a cool dry place
- Don't use any moth-proofing like moth balls
- Don't place heavy items on it while it is being stored