ICIB Brokerweb Insurance & Risk Advisory

As the winter chill sets in, many of us are pulling out the electric blankets to stay cosy. But before you click that switch, Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) warns that faulty electric blankets can contribute to the 17% spike in devastating house fires every winter.

FENZ advises to only use electric blankets to warm the bed before you get in and always ensure they are switched off before you go to sleep.

Maintaining them is also hugely important. To start, check for 'hotspots'. Put the blanket on high for 10 minutes, switch it off, and run your hand over it. If you find any, the wires are damaged so stop using it.

Have your blanket checked by a registered electrician every year or replace it every five years with a newer model that features built-in overheat protection.

Nothing beats crawling into a beautifully warm bed on a freezing cold night, but true comfort means knowing your home is at a lesser risk of fire.