Fire chiefs have issued a stark warning about the use of electric blankets as the winter chill sets in.
As Britain prepares for the deep freeze, people cosying up in bed could become human torches if their faulty electric blanket bursts into flames, fire chiefs have warned.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue, and the Public Protection Partnership, which oversees trading standards in the county, enacted free electric blanket testing for local residents with alarming results.
Several test sites were established in Newbury, Theale, Wokingham and Crowthorne and out of the 17 blankets that people brought in, just four - less than a quarter - were declared totally safe.
Despite the small sample, fire chiefs said there was no reason to think it did not indicate a widespread problem.
The testers advised thirteen of the blanket owners that theirs were so unsafe, they should not use them.
Advice from the fire service includes not buying second-hand electric blankets.
They say users should check regularly for wear and tear, and replace electric blankets at least every ten years.
Ensure you have working smoke alarms fitted on every floor of your home.
Always unplug electric blankets before going to bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all night use
Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if switched off.
Store electric blankets flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring.
Never use an electric blanket if you have an air flow pressure relief mattress, or use emollient creams
Last month Philip Schofield shared details of being ‘scarred for life’ after a freak accident with an electric blanket when he was younger.
The ITV presenter co-hosted the programme alongside Holly Willoughby on Monday as the pair spoke with Alice Beer about keeping electrical heating appliances safe this winter.
The presenter held up an electric blanket, as she told ITV viewers sales of the cosy throws have risen by 500 percent this year, amid the energy crisis.
She said: “An electric blanket will heat your bed up for pennies. They are brilliant things because they stop you putting the heating on.”
However, she went on to warn viewers at home of the dangers in the appliances, as she said: "These are all wires all the way through. You've got to take them seriously."
