With summer coming to an end, and the colder part of the year approaching, we’re going to stop thinking about staying cool and start thinking about keeping toasty.
One device that more and more people use to keep warm is the often misunderstood electric blanket. Obviously, they keep you warm at night, but they can also help save money on bills – you don’t need the central heating to be on at night when your bed is already cosier than a kangaroo’s pouch*.
If you have an electric blanket you should be aware of the risks involved. An electric blanket carries almost no risk if looked after and used properly. However, if your electric blanket is more than 10 years old, you simply must replace it. A study in the UK showed that 99% of all fires caused by electric blankets were caused by electric blankets over 10 years old.
Even if your blanket is less than 10 years old, you should still keep an eye out for obvious signs like scorch marks and fraying on the power cord. If you think there might be something wrong with your blanket, it’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s also worth getting it checked out by an expert every 2-3 years and many local councils offer an annual electric blanket inspection service free of charge.
New models of electric blankets are safer than ever and also offer new features that regulate the temperature to keep you even more comfortable. You should make sure that the electric blanket you buy has an automatic shutoff device. This will stop the blanket from being on for too long or from getting too hot. You can also get low voltage models – these have a little box that converts the mains voltage down to a much safer level before sending it through the blanket.
Also remember the number one rule – electricity and water do not mix and should be kept away from each other at all times!
*(Disclaimer: I’ve never actually tested the cosiness of a kangaroo’s pouch and no kangaroos were harmed during in the writing of this article.)
Guest Blogger: Ross M.
from JazzyBrick.com
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