Electric blankets & Safety

jonf

how many of us use electric blankets and have them checked

how safe are they

Sage

Chris75_

Never had one, I just put thermal underwear on if we get a cold snap.

figraspberry41

#@jonf,

Hi, Just seen your post. I believe the recommendation is that electric blankets should be checked before use and 'serviced' or checked by a professional yearly. I have been lead to believe that the Fire Service do offer this service to people and will upon request visit your home and check your home for Fire Safety issues (I think this is free, at least to vulnerable, elderly or people with certain health conditions. I also think that it might depend on if you use a mattress heated blanket or an over 'throw' type blanket. I hope this might be 'helpful'.

jonf

it was more of a gentle reminder as people forget.

jonf

I did not know that the fire service offer a free visual check ol and a Pat test for electric blankets.

In parts of the UK the fire brigade offer smoke alarm tests and free replacement to the elderly and vulnerable people.

Santosha12

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1082035#Comment_1082035

I'm very pleased you started this thread, it's very important imo so thank you!

The fire service also carry out an assessment of safety/escape routes; they offered that for me when I moved to my bungalow 3 years ago. I accepted that happily partly because of my limited mobility now. The most likely source of fire here is my kitchen and hall (electric cupboard that I cannot reach), both lead to the front and rear access of the bungalow.

The officer was not terribly happy that I said I'll go out the living room window (off the bedroom) as I can lower each of my dogs out to the secure, back garden and just about squeeze out that way myself. I would never leave my dogs.

I had a fire years ago in my flat which was very traumatic hence my planning now but mostly because, especially with dogs, it's incumbent on me to keep them safe as much as is possibly within my power but without being fearful about it.

jonf

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1082049#Comment_1082049

I think that not enough people are aware. My friend had a fire and she told me the most precutting that she lost were he children’s photographs.

jonf

sorry my AI is having a serious wobble

Santosha12

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1082111#Comment_1082111

That's very sad, nowadays they'd probably be on the cloud /online somewhere.

The fire service were amazing and even saved our fish too.

I don't charge anything overnight not even my 'phone.

Littlefatfriend

The fire safety check is the reason I have ramps at the front and back of my house. I'd previously only ramped the back but they (and insurance!) convinced me. The kitchen and boiler are at the back.

If I used an electric blanket I'd regularly check it myself. That's the advice I've always seen. Look for wear and tear like scorch marks, frayed fabric, or exposed wires...

😺

jonf

thinking maybe I need a ramp at my new place Maybe I will get a company in to make for me