Sleeping Safe and Sound this Winter

As the winter nights draw in, many of us will resort to our electric blankets for extra warmth. But the way we store our blankets, as well as general wear and tear, can mean they’re no longer safe to use. In 2003, the Cambridgeshire branch of Age Concern found 73% of blankets tested were unsafe at an electric blanket testing event.

This October, Trading Standards and the Electrical Safety Council (ESC) invite you to bring your electric blankets to one of our testing stations so that our experts can check them for you.

Testing stations will be open from 25th to 29th October and are located in:

• Wisbech and March

• Ely and Soham

• Huntingdon and St Neots

• Cambridge and Papworth

To make an appointment to get your electric blanket tested please phone 01354 750035 between 09.30am and 12.30pm. Testing is free and if your electric blanket fails our safety checks you will be given a voucher for up to 50% off a new blanket as we are unable to return unsafe blankets to you. Tea and coffee will also be available.

General blanket care – warm, not worn

Before using your blanket…..

Make sure that it (or its cord) doesn’t show any of the following danger signs:

• Scorch marks or discoloration areas visible on the fabric of the blanket

• Wires are visible or poking through the fabric

• Fabric is frayed or worn

• There is damage to the electrical cord

• The control makes a buzzing sound when switched on or gives off a smell

• The blankets connector, where the electrical cord plugs into the blanket, is damaged or over heating.

Always use the blanket in accordance with manufacture guidelines. Furthermore, if your blanket is more than ten years old, you should consider buying a new one. 

When storing your blanket…

DO

Leave the blanket on the bed all year round or place on a spare bed

Let the blanket cool down before folding

Loosely fold or roll it in a towel or plastic bag and store the blanket in a cool dry place

DON’T

Use any moth proofing chemicals

Place heavy items on top of the blanket whilst it is being stored

For further information on staying safe and warm this winter have at look at ESC’s leaflet on electric blanket safety. Download your copy at www.esc.org.uk.

Photo: jenny downings