People warned to use electric blankets safely as winter draws in
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has responded to incidents involving the devices
Wiltshire's fire service is urging people using electric blankets to ensure they're safe to use.
It comes after the service has responded to recent incidents involving the devices as the weather becomes cooler.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued some advice to people using them to make sure they're used appropriately.
Home Fire Safety Manager, Sarah Moore, explained that how they're stored can impact the level of risk posed.
"One of the main things we suggest is that when you store your blankets, you keep them rolled or you keep them flat rather than folding them up," she said.
Sarah added: "Folding can sometimes damage the wires and you've got to make sure the wires are safe."
We're told to check the blanket before using it by running our hand over it to see if there are any broken wires.
Sarah also advised against leaving the blankets on for extended periods of time, as this can lead to overheating, and to ensure it's using it's own plug socket.
She said: "We would say use your own plug socket with your electric blanket so you're not overloading the appliances and therefore causing an overheating of the equipment that you're using."
We're urged to avoid buying second hand electric blankets, to buy from a reputable shop or supplier, avoiding online stores and they the devices abide by EU safety rules, which we can check for the EU stap of British kite mark.