Fire risk from old blankets

Press, 27 May 1981, Page 15

Fire risk from old blankets

Some New Zealanders are lying on electric blankets which pose a serious fire risk, according to Mr A. Lockie, the managing director of Ralta, Ltd. "An electric blanket has an average life of nine years, but we know of some that are still in use in New Zealand after as much as 20 years.” Mr Lockie said. “Thrift is a commendable Kiwi characteristic, but like most virtues it can be carried too far.” . ' Many older electric blankets were damaged, worn out ,x>r obsolete, he said. Ralta estimated that there* 1 were now about two million electric blankets in use in

New Zealand. “The knowledge that each winter hundreds of damaged, time-worn, and obsolete bedwarmers are likely to be unrolled from cupboards and pressed into use is a serious concern,” Mr Lockie said. “It is very gratifying to know that electric blankets can last this long, but it is important that people have older blankets checked before they use them.” Mr Lockie said that today’s electric blankets were made so that they would be safe, in all circumstances, whereas the best that could be done in earlier years was to make them safe if used as directed.