It is estimated that at least two fires a day start because of a
fault in an electric blanket.
Most of these blankets are over 10 years old and are owned by
people over 60 years old - a particularly vulnerable group in the
case of domestic fires.
The Trading Standards team regularly offer free safety
checks on electric blankets. We look at electrical
connections, coverings on the wires and the general state of
wear.
Each blanket takes about 15-20 minutes to check properly so it
is necessary to make an appointment.
Last year over 55% of electric blankets tested failed the free
safety check.
It is often something simple like a plug or a fuse. The
insulation on the wire heating elements can become damaged through
age, or folding the blanket for storage.
Sleep safe, get your blanket checked!
