Old or damaged blankets cause more than 5,000 fires a year. Research has shown that electric blankets ten years old (or older) still in use in homes in Britain are responsible for 99% of the fires caused by electric blankets. And each year 20 people are killed and 100 injured in such fires. Local testing events by Trading Standards departments, The Fire Service and the voluntary sector are a further valuable means of reducing such accidents.

What are the main causes of electric blanket fires?

Old and damaged electric blankets have caused thousands of fires. Faulty blankets are also responsible for deaths and injuries. Some blankets become faulty due to having been used other than in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, others due to their age.

Who is most at risk?

Older people aged 65 years or more are at greatest risk, with six times the national average of fatal injuries and twice the national average of non-fatal injuries.

Key safety messages: the danger signs

Have your blanket checked or replaced if it shows any of the following danger signs:

• It displays the old BEAB safety mark (if it carries this mark it will be more than 10 years old and will not comply with the latest safety standard).

• The fabric is worn or frayed.

• There are scorch marks anywhere.

• The tie-tapes (where originally fitted) are damaged or missing.

• The flex is worn or damaged.

• Any connections at the plug or controls are loose.

• The heating wires have been damaged or displaced. To check, hold the blanket up to the light. The wires should be evenly spaced and should not touch each other anywhere.

• Or if you are in any doubt whatsoever!

Good practice guidelines

Choosing your blanket

• Always buy new. Second-hand blankets may not be safe.

• Look out for a European Certification Mark, such as the new BEAB safety mark, on the blanket and packaging. This will mean it conforms to the latest European safety standard.

• Make sure your blanket has an overheating protection system – this cuts the power off if the blanket starts overheating. All new UK blankets now have this feature.

Using your blanket

• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully – and follow them.

• Make sure that the switch/heat control hangs freely, and that the electric flex is not twisted across the blanket or tucked under the mattress or covers.

• Switch your underblanket off before you get into bed, unless it is of the type that can be used at night.

• Make sure your underblanket is kept flat.

• Tie the underblanket to the bed or mattress. This stops it slipping and creasing. Check that the head of the blanket is not at the foot of the bed.

• Never use an underblanket as an overblanket, or an overblanket as an underblanket.

• Never plug an electric blanket into a light fitting – it may be switched on unintentionally.

• Do not fit the blanket to an adaptor or multi-socket block with another appliance plugged in.

• Never use the blanket if it is wet, soiled, creased or rucked-up. Never switch it on to dry it out.

• Never use a blanket with scorch marks or exposed elements.

• Do not use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together.

Storing your blanket

• An underblanket can be left tied to the bed all year round if you wish.

• To store a blanket for the summer, roll it or fold it with as few creases as possible, and keep it in a dry place.

• Store separately from other bedding, if possible, or keep on top to avoid bedding pressing down on the blanket.

• Or store it by putting it on a spare bed – but make sure it stays dry and flat.

Routine checks

• Have your blanket checked by an expert once every three years, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Check frequently for the danger signs

• Return the blanket to the manufacturer if there are signs of wear or damage.

• If the blanket has a PVC overheat protection system, as do some older blankets, check that the PVC material has not deteriorated over time.

Old and damaged blankets cause more than 5,000 fires a year.

If your blanket is more than 10 years old, or if it shows signs of wear and tear, the best advice is to get a new one.

Safety drives

A safety drive to remove old blankets from use is likely to be particularly effective in tackling the problem. Such a drive will usefully complement local initiatives to encourage people to have blankets tested.

The key elements for such initiatives are:

• Focus on older people (aged 60 years or more), the key age group at risk.

• The key message is: ‘If your blanket is over 10 years old, it is strongly recommended that you replace it immediately with a new blanket.’ This message should be backed up by a warning of the dangers – for example: ‘There are over two electric blanket fires every day, nearly all of which involve old blankets and could have been avoided if the blankets had been new.’

• A secondary message is to educate people on the safe use and storage of electric blankets.

• The continuing programme of blanket testing offered to consumers by many Trading Standards Departments, Fire Brigades and the voluntary sector provides a useful complementary safety-check programme for those blankets that are less than 10 years old, and which may be showing signs of wear or misuse. The programme can also be used to help promote the ‘replace your 10-year-old blanket’ message.