Heating pads and electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year. Almost all of these fires involve electric blankets that are more than ten years old.
As the cold weather spreads across the country through the Autumn and Winter, many people will be dusting off their electric blankets ready for use. But be careful, don't risk a fire. Electric blankets account for over 5000 fires a year in the home and you can prevent these by taking some simple steps.
When a person uses and stores them correctly, electric blankets are safe. However, recommendations state that children, pregnant people, and those with diabetes or circulation issues avoid using them.
While a modern, well-maintained electric blanket is unlikely to cause problems with proper use, it is not recommended to keep electric blankets on all night. Instead, it's helpful to use electric blankets to warm up your bed before you get in and turn them off before you fall asleep.
Burns and fires are a risk, though today's blankets are much safer than their early predecessors. Since the late 1980s, electric bedding in the U.S. has been designed to emit much less heat (older models put out higher wattages and contributed to household fires and other problems).
Schiavon suggests trying an electric blanket or heated foot warmer. These warming devices are generally more energy efficient and likely safer than space heaters, he said. Appliances that draw large amounts of energy can be associated with increased risk of fire or burns, he said.
A fire blanket is a sheet of woven fire-resistant material designed to extinguish small fires. Fire blankets are usually made from woven fibreglass and work by smothering the fire and cutting off its oxygen supply. Fire blankets are stored in a wall-mounted case or pouch for quick access in a fire emergency.
They're simply the most versatile and portable way to keep warm, whether you're tucking up on the couch or gaming in the den. Soft and luxurious to the touch, they're also perfect to place on top of your bed for extra warmth in the style of a traditional blanket.
People often forget the importance of fire safety while using electric blankets, but they can overheat and become potential fire risks.
Electric blankets generally shouldn't be left on overnight unless your blanket includes a special thermostatic control for safe use overnight.
While electric blankets are ideal for using on your mattress, heated throws are better for snuggling on the sofa. They're practical but also look good, with tactile finishes in materials such as bamboo and pure cotton.
Can you fall sleep with a heated blanket? Thanks to the automatic turn off timers, you can safely doze off with your electric throw over you.
The throw can be placed over you while you are sitting on your chair but the internal wires must not be folded or sat on.
The maximum heat that heated blankets and throws can get to is not very high (usually around 56°C), making them safe, but if you're planning to use your electric blanket all night, make sure you don't set the temperature higher than is recommended for continuous use.
A: Hi, yes that's fine it is a throw and not an electric blanket for a bed so wrapping it round yourself would be fine.
Folded or tucked in blankets could overheat and cause a fire. Heating appliances should never be left unattended or used while sleeping.
Electric blankets should never be left unattended when turned on. But, can you leave an electric blanket on all night? We don't recommend sleeping with an electric blanket on all night and a thermostatic control or timer should be used if you choose to leave your electric blanket on.
The number one concern when using an electric blanket is that it has the potential to overheat. While more modern electric blankets have automatic shut-off features, older models may not. This can pose a fire hazard if left on too long.
The recalled Bedsure electric blankets and pads were sold on BedsureHome.com and Amazon.com from August 2022 until December 2022 at a price between $25 and $110. The recalled blankets and pads were manufactured in China and imported by Bedshe International Company Limited in Walnut, California.
Using a Heated Throw
However, they're usually made of thicker, cosier material to compensate for this, so you should still be able to run one for less than 1p per hour. The benefit of a throw is that you can use it anywhere – you aren't limited to only using it when you go to bed.
Overheating and Fire Safety
A common concern is the blanket overheating or worse, catching fire. While older electric blankets (those made before the 2000s) may carry some risks, today's electric blankets are designed with advanced safety features, such as overheat protection and temperature control.
Whether you realized it before or not, many newer electric blankets can go right into the washing machine without harming the electrical components; however, you should always air-dry the heated blanket laying flat and avoid using the dryer to protect the electrical elements.
The majority of fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation of the toxic gases produced by fires.
Some older fire blankets were made of woven asbestos fibres and are not NFPA rated. This can pose a hazard during the decommissioning of old equipment.
Class D fires are fires which involve combustible metals.
Because of this, class D fires are more likely to be found in commercial or industrial environments – anywhere metal work, such as cutting or drilling, is carried out. Examples of combustible metals are: titanium, potassium, lithium and magnesium.