Electric Blankets/Portable Heaters

Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service - Fire Engine

Fire Safety with
Electric Blankets and Portable Heaters

The Chief Fire Officer, Graeme Smith of Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to issue a warning to all Warwickshire residents regarding keeping warm but also staying safe.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is called to a number of domestic fires that could have been avoided with a little care. In an effort to stay warm people will sometimes bring out an old electric fire or blanket, which may possibly have been stored for a long period of time.

CFO Smith warns, "heating appliances don't go on forever they need regular maintenance and proper care to avoid becoming dangerous - check them thoroughly before using."

Electric Blankets
Electric blankets cause hundreds of fires a year, but there are simple ways to stop that happening to you.

If your blanket (or its flex) shows any of these danger signs, you should have it checked or replaced:

Scorch marks
Fraying fabric
Exposed elements
Creasing or folding
Soiling
Damp patches
Tie tapes damaged or missing
Worn flex
Loose connections
An old BEAB safety mark - a round symbol (the new sign is white capital letters on a black background). This means it is more than 10 years old.

If in doubt .... throw it out
A new blanket costs from about £15 - but you will sleep safer at night!
For more information about electric blanket safety contact Warwickshire County Council's Trading Standards
For details on electric blanket testing please contact Warwickshire County Council's Trading Standards Department's Adviceline 01926 414040.

Portable Heaters
Electric heaters are by far the most dangerous form of heating, they use a lot of electricity and generate a lot of heat - two reasons to treat them with great care.

Keep them clear of curtains, fabrics and furniture
Sit at least three feet (one metre) away
Buy them from reputable shops
Don't dry washing on or near heaters, or on fire guards
Don't cover the air grilles of storage heaters, fan heaters and convection heaters

Electric heaters must be fitted with the correct fuse, which should be stated in the manufacturer's guide. The guard must prevent children or clothes coming into contact with the heating source. Cables should not be frayed or damaged and don't lay them under rugs or carpets where they can be walked on and damaged. Don't trail the leads across the floor where someone may trip over them and pull over the fire at the same time. If you find any damage, or aren't sure about the fuse or wiring, get a qualified electrician to advise you.

Gas heaters should be well maintained and checked over by a qualified gas engineer periodically.
Cylinders should be stored outside, protected from frost and direct sunlight.

If a leak of gas is detected:

All naked lights and cigarettes should be extinguished.
The gas cylinder should be turned off at the main valve and removed to the outside.
The heater should then be serviced and repaired.

Paraffin heaters also need to be well maintained, thoroughly cleaned and the wick checked and trimmed. Be very careful when filling, doing so in the open air to avoid a build up of fumes. Once lit, don't move the heater or top up the paraffin. Wipe up any spills and change clothes if they become soiled with fuel. Be careful to let fumes escape safely from wiping cloths.

All portable heaters should always be secured in position to prevent them accidentally being knocked over when in use.

Always use a fireguard and never leave a heater unattended, especially when there are children about. Children should not be left in a room with an unguarded fire.

For further Fire Safety information and advice contact:

The Fire Safety Helpline on

01926 466282

National Community Fire Safety Centre Website - Fire Kills - Directgov

Download Safety in the Winter Leaflet

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