Power for Progress: Safety tips for electric blankets, heating pads

Warm and safe
Using a heating pad or electric blanket to keep the chill away? If so, GRDA is offering some important safety tips you should keep in mind.

Power for Progress…

  A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority

Safety tips for electric blankets, heating pads

The Grand River Dam Authority has shared this information before, but January seems like a good time to revisit these tips from the Electric Safety Foundation International (esfi.org). If the recent Oklahoma winter weather has you reaching for an electric blanket or heating pad to help stay cozy, keep this information in mind.

• Before using either an electric blanket or electric heating pad, be sure to look for dark, charred, or frayed spots on the item or its electric cord. If you find any of these conditions, replace it.
• Heating pads and electric blankets are the source for almost 500 fires each year and in almost every one of these fires, the blanket or pad was more than ten years old. If it’s worn, replace it.
• Remember, when covered by anything, including other blankets, pets, etc., an electric blanket may overheat. Do not allow anything on top of it when it is in use.
• Also, never fold electric blankets when in use. Blankets that are folded or tucked in could overheat and cause a fire.
• Finally, these blankets and pads should never be left unattended or used while sleeping.

Your friends at GRDA want you to stay safe and warm this winter. For more electric safety tips, visit esfi.org.

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees, and efficiency.