Winter is beginning to wind down, but cold nights usually carry into early spring. Heated blankets are a great way to combat the chill! While the idea of snuggling up with a warm, toasty blanket is appealing, safety should always be a top priority. In this blog post, we’ll explore the comforts of heated blankets while highlighting essential safety tips so you can enjoy their warmth without worries.

Benefits

Electric heated blankets are best used to warm up your sheets before you go to bed, but can also assist in easing your muscles in the morning. If you have joint or muscle pains, experts say that 20 minutes of heated blanket use in the morning can help with mobility by increasing blood circulation.

What To Look For

Since heated blankets involve electrical wiring, it’s important to know if the blanket you own or plan to buy is properly tested. Check that your blanket is rated to meet UL or ETL standards, stated on the tag or packaging. Additionally, you’ll want to get a heated blanket that has an auto shut-off feature, as well as manually adjustable heat settings.

Fire Danger

There are important fire safety protocols to follow when using a heated blanket. Read up on the biggest dangers to keep in mind:

• Your blanket should never be left on throughout the night. While most have an automatic shut off feature, it’s still good to check on them before going to bed.
• Never use an additional heating pad with the blanket.
• Heated blankets are not pet-friendly, no matter how much your cat wants to sit on them. You or your pet could be endangered if they decide to claw or chew on the blanket.
• Avoid putting anything on top of the blanket while it’s turned on.
• The blanket should never be folded while it’s heated up.

Storage

When it’s time to pack your blanket away for the season, be sure to wait until it’s unplugged and completely cooled off before folding it. Keep it stored in a dry, cool place, to avoid damaging the wires.