Stay Safe This Winter 03/12/07

Title- Electric Blankets and Heaters Safety Advice

Follow our tips below to stay safe this winter:

• Check your electric blanket and its lead for signs of wear and tear e.g. fraying fabric, scorch marks, exposed elements, creasing or folding, soiling, damp patches, damaged or missing tapes, worn lead, loose connections.
• Get your blanket tested by an expert every three years (for details of who can test your blanket contact North Yorkshire County Council/ Trading Standards)
• Replace electric blankets every 10 years.
• Always follow the instructions on how to use your electric blanket
• Do NOT leave your blanket switched on all night unless it has a thermostatic control. If it doesn’t have a thermostatic control switch it off and unplug it before you get into bed.
• Don’t get an electric blanket wet
• Store electric blankets flat or rolled- never fold them
• Keep heaters away from curtains and furniture
• Don’t dry washing on or near heaters
• Sit at least one metre away from heaters
• Don’t cover the air vents of storage heaters, fan heaters and convection heaters.

For more information and advice on staying safe this winter, or to book a free Home Fire Risk Check (where a fully trained Fire Crew will visit your home and give advice on how to make it safer and if appropriate fit smoke alarms free of charge) phone our Fire Safety Advice Line on 01609 788545, contact your local fire station or visit our website www.northyorksfire.gov.uk