Winter has thrown us some pretty chilly weather this year and we have all had to dig out our winter woollies, extra warm duvets and electric blankets.
While electric blankets are excellent at keeping the frosty weather at bay when you slip between the sheets, they come with cautionary instructions because they can be dangerous if not used properly.
Here are our top electric blanket safety tips to make sure you stay warm and safe this winter:
- Make sure you buy an electric blanket that is SABS approved – it’s imperative that it has passed minimum safety standards and is deemed safe for use;
- Sleep under it not on top of it! Most of us put the electric blanket under the sheet and sleep on top of it, however this can damage the coils. Rather put it over a top sheet and sleep under it to preserve the parts for longer, safer use;
- Heat needs to escape so make sure to keep all stuffed animals, pillows, books and other items off the blanket while it’s on;
- If no one is using the electric blanket, switch it off! It can be a fire hazard if you leave it on indefinitely;
- Keep your pets off the electric blanket, sharp claws and teeth can easily puncture the cord insulation and damage the wires rendering the blanket unsafe for use;
- If you see or smell smoke or burning, turn the electric blanket off IMMEDIATELY! If the blanket shows any sort of discolouration it can indicate melting of internal parts and this is not safe for use;
- Never use your electric blanket on babies, toddlers, disabled people or anyone who cannot operate the controls themselves. Rather be safe than sorry!
- Don’t use your electric banket all night, rather let it heat you up and once you’re warm switch it off and let your body heat do the job for the rest of the night!
At APE, your safety is always our concern and we want you to stay warm this winter and safe!
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