What happens if you leave an electric blanket on

Do not put clothes or allow pets on top of bedding while an electric blanket is switched on, as it could cause the blanket to overheat and start a fire. Never leave a switchedon electric blanket unattended for a long time.

Never place a hot-water bottle in a bed with a switched-on electric blanket. Young children should use electric blankets only when they no longer need nappies and have been taught to use a blanket safely. Dampness or spilled water could cause an electric shock if the blanket is faulty. For more tips on using an electric blanket safely this winter, visit www. The most sophisticated models have timers that give you the luxury of falling asleep in a bed that's still warming up, but those with manual switches can usually provide enough warmth to keep you comfortable even if you deactivate them before drifting off.

When using an electric blanket to heat your bed, consider heating the sheet-covered mattress with the blankets pulled down. After several minutes, pull up the covers and lay down the electric blanket as the top layer. The blankets will trap the heat in the mattress so that the entire bed will feel warm when you get in.

Even after you turn the heat off, you may feel the warmth for up to an hour, giving you plenty of time to fall asleep. Most electric blankets feature a similar design—a long, heat-producing wire is stitched throughout the innermost layer. Because these wires must be thin to keep the blanket soft and flexible, they are fairly susceptible to damage.

A sharp claw or tooth could puncture the cord insulation or damage the wires. Turn off the electric blanket when no one is using it. Most models have no internal temperature control, so they will not automatically turn off if they overheat. Loosely wrap the control cords around the blanket when folding it up for storage.

Turn off and unplug the electric blanket immediately if you see smoke or smell something burning. Blanket discoloration could indicate melting or burning internal elements. There are specific first aid steps to follow for burns. Learn the difference between minor burns and major burns and how to properly treat them. The singer and actor shares why using the "time in range" metric to help manage his type 1 diabetes has been a "life-changing" discovery.

The risk factors for type 2 diabetes are complex and range from genetic to environmental to lifestyle choices. Learn more. My diagnosis was a wake-up call. It was time to take care of my health. Learn more about its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Type 2 Diabetes. Are Electric Blankets a Safety Concern? Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.