A heating blanket undoubtedly extends unparalleled warmth during chilly weather, but it has its disadvantages, just like other electrical appliances. Heating blankets are prone to fire if not used safely. The right and careful use of these blankets is essential to avoid fire accidents. In this article, we discuss the tips to safely use electric blankets, reasons for fire hazards, and ways to prevent any mishaps resulting from heating blankets.
Tips to Safely Use a Heating Blanket
Heating blankets ensure coziness and warmth during winter and when sleeping. However, knowing the right and careful use is important to avoid fire hazards. Here are a few tips you can consider for safe use of the blanket:
Don't leave the blanket unattended- When the blanket is plugged, don't leave it unattended to avoid any emergency situation. Be in the surrounding area to notice and address any issue when it is plugged.
Don't leave the blanket plugged when sleeping- If the blanket is plugged when you are sleeping, a sudden fire emergency may arise. It's advisable to unplug before sleeping.
Avoid plugging the blanket in an extension cord- There have been many instances of fire caused due to overheating of extension cord. Hence, it's advised not to plug the blanket into an extension cord.
Replace worn out blankets- If you notice any dark or charred spots or cracked electrical cords, replace the worn out blanket immediately to avoid any mishappening.
Never fold a blanket when in use- A folded blanket when in use, can cause fire due to overheating. Always, keep it unfolded while using.
Buy blankets from reputed manufacturers- Buy heating blankets only from the reputed manufacturer whose products are approved from Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.
Avoid placing anything over the blanket when in use- Always avoid placing any item(heavy or light) over the heating blanket to prevent fire hazards.
Proper storage- Store the blanket properly. Don't fold it, rather roll it because folded blankets can be dangerous and can cause fire.
Keep the blanket flat- Flat blanket is safe for use because it doesn't trap heat. Avoid tucking blankets around the mattress as it can also cause fire hazard.
The Factors Leading to Heating Blanket Fire Hazard
It's important to understand and analyze the reasons that cause heating blanket fire hazards. Let's have a look at the reasons:
Outdated Features Due to Its Age
Unlike the new model, old heating blankets lack advanced features like moisture resistance and other safety features. The absence of the advanced feature poses a threat of fire hazard.
Wear and Tear
Wear and time owing to age is a common phenomenon with most of the electrical appliances and heating blankets are no exception.
Unsafe Ways of Usage
The fire risk of heating blankets also depends on the way you use the blankets. If a blanket is covered with a pillow or furniture, blanket traps heat increasing the risk of fire. Similarly, leaving the blanket plugged for a prolonged period at a high temperature adds to the risk of overheating.
Improper Storage
The way you store the heating blanket highly impacts the fire hazard. Never fold the blanket. Always roll it and store it.
Overheating Due to Prolonged Use
Prolonged use of a heating blanket on high settings is one of the reasons for fire hazards. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions for settings and duration.
Manufacturing Defect
Some of the products have manufacturing defects, so buy heating blankets from established brands.
Lack of Regular Inspection
Regular inspection of the blanket helps in identifying the wear and tear which expose the electrical parts. Exposed electrical components are prone to fire.
How to Safely Store Heating Blankets to Prevent Fire Hazards?
Safe storage of heating blankets is as important as other tips to avoid the risk of fire. Here are a few safe storage tips:
Store cord separately- Unplug the cord and the control unit from the wall and store in a separate bag. Storing cord and blanket together can be messy.
Roll the blanket- Don't fold the blanket because folding creates sharp creases that cause fire hazards. It's always better to roll it and store it.
Use a storage bag to keep the blanket- Store the heating blanket in a separate bag. You can keep the small bag containing the cord and control unit above the blanket bag as the cord and control unit is light weight.
Keep the storage bag at a height- If you have kids or pets at home, it's recommended to keep the storage bag at a height to keep away from the reach of children and pets. Pets and kids can damage the blanket unintentionally which may pose a threat.
Conclusion
Heating blankets have an associated fire hazard risk, but with the adequate precaution, it is safe to use. Consider all the safety tips discussed in this article and enjoy the warmth of heating blankets during the chilly weather.