Electric blankets

Though electric blankets can be a great, cost-effective way to keep warm and cosy, it's important to use them with care. Before putting your electric blanket on the bed to use over the winter months, take a few minutes to check that the blanket is safe for continued use.

Your blanket should be replaced with a new one if:

• Fabric is worn or frayed, through use or folding
• Scorch marks are visible on the fabric
• Wires or heating elements are poking through the fabric.
• There is damage to any part of the electrical cord.
• The control buttons are making a buzzing sound when switched on and/or is giving off a smell.
• The connector fitted to the blanket is damaged or over-heating.
• Soiling or damp patches on the fabric
• Tie tapes damaged or missing

1. An old BEAB safety mark means it is more than ten years old and should be replaced. The UK Conformity Assessed mark UKCA replaced the European safety standard mark ‘Comunidad Europea’ in 2020 when the UK officially left the European Economic Area, so your electric blanket should display one of these symbols to show it conforms to current UK regulations. UKCA markCE mark Any electric blankets displaying any of the warning signs should be disposed of at any of Nottinghamshire 12 household waste and recycling centres rather than in the general waste bin.

Follow our 6 top tips

1. Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use.
2. Never use an electric blanket if you have an air flow or pressure relief mattress, or use emollient creams.
3. Never use a hot water bottle at the same time as using your electric blanket.
4. Do not buy second-hand electric blankets.
5. Remember to check regularly for wear and tear and replace at least every 10 years.
6. Store electric blankets flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring.

Worried about energy costs?

If you – or a family member – is using an electric blanket because you're struggling with the costs of energy bills, it's worth knowing that there is a lot of help available. Citizens Advice provides lots of info about grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills or you can contact your energy company for advice.

If you would like support with keeping your family safe from fire please complete.

This free online check, in partnership with Safelincs, and the National Fire Chief's Council. It will ask you some basic information then takes you through your home one room at a time helping you spot potential fire risks, offering tips and advice on the steps you can take to reduce those risks.

Once you have completed your check, you will receive a personalised fire safety action plan to help keep you and your household safe from fire.

We may then contact you for a home visit, otherwise known as a Safe and Well Visit. Safe and Well Visits are tailored to individuals' needs, relating to their health and lifestyle choices. It may include the fitting of free smoke alarms.

The information on our Safety in Your Home page can give further support, or help can be sought by calling our advice line on 0115 838 8100.

If you have difficulty completing the online check, or one of your family, friends, or neighbours is potentially vulnerable, you can also contact us on the above numbers, or email enquiries@notts-fire.gov.uk stating your preferred method of contact, to allow us to get in touch and make appropriate arrangements.