The cover of the new leaflet is pictured. Click here for a PDF of the full leaflet.

14 November 2008

Make sure you're safe as well as warm after you've switched on your electric blanket, says Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Firefighters will be distributing copies of a brand new leaflet produced by the Electrical Safety Council when they carry out free fire safety checks in homes in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

The eight page leaflet, called "Electric Blanket Safety: Stay safe and warm this winter", is full of information about choosing, using, checking and storing electric blankets.

Terry Ridgley, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety team, said: “Old or damaged electric blankets cause more than 5,000 house fires a year in the UK.

"Statistics show that people aged 65 years or more are at greatest risk, so we are very keen to make sure they know what to look out for.”

Last month, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service teamed up with Milton Keynes Council to hold electric blanket safety tests at Bletchley and Newport Pagnell Fire Stations. 

One in six of the electric blankets brought in by residents (15 out of a total of 89) failed, and two were found to be 50 years old!

Terry urged people to make sure they are aware of the potential dangers by following this advice:

• Always buy new blankets from reputable dealers – second-hand blankets may not be safe
  
• Make sure they carry a certification mark to show that they meet the latest UK and European safety standards
  
• Have your blanket checked by an expert at least every three years, or as recommended by the manufacturer, to ensure it is still safe to use
  
• Always read the manufacturer's instructions carefully - and follow them
  
• Never use a blanket with scorch marks or exposed elements
  
• Never use the blanket if it’s wet or creased. Never switch it on to dry out
  
• Never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together
  
• Check the plug cord for any signs of wear or damage
  
• Do not fit the blanket to an adaptor or multi-socket block with another appliance plugged in
  
• Make sure the power is turned off at the wall and the blanket is unplugged if not in use
  
• Always spread the blanket out - never use it folded
  
• Keep the blanket stored carefully over the summer months - refer to the manufacturer's instructions on how best to do this
  
• Most electric blankets are designed not to be washed - always check the manufacturer’s instructions

To book a free home safety check, and have free smoke alarms fitted where necessary, ring 01296 744477, send an email to cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or fill in the online form.