Fire brigades are called to more than 5,000 fires caused by electric blankets each year. Some 20 people are killed and another 200 injured in these fires. Many are elderly people.

Help your elderly relatives or neighbours by making sure they know how to use their electric blanket safely and the importance of regular servicing.

If they use an electric blanket on their bed, they must make sure that:

• The blanket is fitted with a correctly wired and fused plug.
• The blanket is laid flat. Folding or creasing can damage the internal wiring and cause overheating.
• Both the lead and switch / heat control hang freely and that the electric flex is not twisted, coiled, laid across the blanket or tucked under the mattress or covers.
• Under-blankets are securely tied to the mattress if they have tie tapes.
• The head of the blanket is not placed at the foot of the bed.
• The blanket is washed or cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• The blanket, flex and its plug are regularly checked for detached tie strings, frayed edges, scorch marks, damaged insulation and loose electrical connections.