Households have been warned over using hot water bottles
It’s freezing cold and most of the UK has been hit with a weather warning for and ice for at least 15 hours.
But despite the forecasts, which will see as much as 20cm of snow falling on major cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and Nottingham, households are being urged to take care over how they keep warm tonight.
Though everyone will be cranking the heating, switching on electric blankets and gathering around electric , those turning to the tried and tested hot water bottle are being urged to take care.
That’s because you should never use a hot water bottle at the same time as using an electric blanket.
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That’s because of the risk that the bottle could leak or even burst, which is the absolute last thing you want when you have an electric appliance wrapped around you.
Energy firm says: “With electric blankets: do not use a hot water bottle, even if the blanket’s switched off. Unplug blankets before you go to bed, unless they have thermostat control for safe all-night use.”
The energy firm also advises that customers should keep electric heaters away from curtains and furniture, and never use them for drying clothes.
This is because of the risk that high powered electric heaters could start fires if left near clothes and curtains, especially if left unattended.
Finally, make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector if you’re using any gas appliance.
It adds: “When burning fuel, carbon monoxide poisoning can be a health risk. Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel does not burn properly, and every year around 30 people die following accidental exposure to high levels of the gas, which is difficult to detect because you can’t see, smell or taste it.
“To minimise risks, a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm, which meets European Standards EN 5029, should be fitted in any room that contains a gas fuel burning appliance, like a boiler and gas fire, and a solid fuel burning appliance, and tested regularly to ensure that it is working, as effectively as possible. The rooms should be adequately ventilated.”