• Although electric blankets are a quick and simple way to get warm during the winter months or to apply heat to pain or an injury, they're a serious hazard if damaged or used improperly. Always consider the hazards of an electric blanket before and while using one.
  
  

Fire

• Damaged or misused electric blankets are a serious fire hazard. Checking your blanket for any signs of a fire risk could save your life. Look for signs of wear, damage, burns, scorch marks, frayed wires and tearing. Put your blanket up to a light so you can see through it, and look for wires that are touching; these are a fire hazard. If your blanket isn't used in accordance to the safety regulations printed on the packaging, you also run the risk of starting a fire.
  
  

Electrocution

• Damage to the blanket could result in a harmful shock or deadly electrocution. As with fire-prone electric blankets, check for damage to the wires, making sure nothing is frayed or damaged. Never wash your electric blanket, and never use chemical cleaners. Don't fold your blanket either. Take precautions when plugging it in, and examine it carefully before use. Never use it near or around any liquids, and don't, under any circumstances, turn it on or plug it in while it's wet.
  
  

Other Tips

• Never fold or bunch up the blanket while it's on. Always buy electric blankets new; old blankets are more likely to cause problems in the future. Always keep the blanket unplugged from the wall outlet with the power switch set to the "Off" position when you're not using it. Use common sense that would apply to any electrical appliance. While it's a blanket, it's still incredibly dangerous if used improperly.