Electric Blankets and Some Safety Concerns

Electric blankets find great use during the winter season as they are capable of combating the night air that is very cold. Even though electric blankets are very useful they too are not void of hazards as many accidents occur every year due to the improper use or faulty construction. But, when precautionary steps are taken and when the users adhere to certain safety norms, accidents caused by electric blankets can be avoided. Some of the safety and precautionary tips for using electric blankets are given below:

The electric blankets should be checked regularly for any kind of fraying or wear (normally around the blanket edges). This could be done either checking the blankets visually for any exposed wires or can be touched and felt. When the blankets are found to have protruding wires then it is time to replace them as it can be hazardous to the user.

Electric blankets should also be inspected for any kind of stiff wiring as it should be flat in a normal circumstance. When the blanket is felt it should be flexible and soft to touch, when it is the other way round it might be damaged. Such blankets could be dangerous and hence should be replaced. The wires at no place should be exposed as it can result in short circuiting.

The dial on the electric blanket should work properly, this could be done by turning off the dial and by checking the electric blanket if it switches off too. The temperature set using the dial should not be more than that or less than that as it is an indication for the proper working of the electric blankets.