The colder weather has arrived and is only set to get worse over the next few months as part of the UK could see snow later this month. According to WX Charts' weather maps, an area covering 200 miles will see temperatures hit well below zero.

In particular, Scotland will see temperatures of 0C and -2C, while parts of The Highlands will go down as low as -5C.

Not only is winter on its way but the colder temperatures will see people go out and buy electric blankets to ensure they are keeping warm inside their homes.

While an electric blanket sounds like a good idea, an individual can wrap it around themselves and set it to their preferred temperature. However, many people don’t realise the potential risk that comes with using one.

Joshua Houston, a home safety expert at Household Quotes, has issued a word of warning about the dangers of using an electric blanket. He’s also revealed five tips on how to use one safely.

Fire risk

On average there are around 1,000 fires per year that are caused by electric blankets in the UK, and these contribute to over 20 deaths. It’s estimated that around 35 percent of electric blankets are faulty and are at risk of catching fire.

Brits should always avoid turning their blanket on for too long, this is especially important overnight when you are asleep. Always turn off your electric blanket when someone isn't in the room as the risk of overheating increases if it’s not under supervision.

Overheating

There have been some reports of heat stroke deaths due to the excessive use of electric blankets. People with medical conditions which involve damaged nerves are particularly vulnerable as they’re unlikely to sense when their body is getting too hot.

How to use an electric blanket safely:

Make sure the blanket is BEAB-approved

Before purchasing an electric blanket, ensure it is approved by the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board. An individual will know this if the packaging or the product has a mark that says ‘BEAB Approved’. This will ensure that the blanket has been properly tested and is safe to use.

Inspect for damage

Before any use, Brits should inspect the electric blanket for damage. These can be burn marks due to the blanket overheating, these will often be black or brown, so they should be easy to spot.

Make sure not to leave out the control area and wires, these could show that the blanket is at risk of causing a fire. If a homeowner sees any damage, do not use the blanket and dispose of it appropriately. Inform the company where you bought it from if you have any concerns.

Read the instructions thoroughly

The electric blanket should come with an instructions manual, this will advise the purchaser on how to set it up and what settings are the most appropriate. Give this a full read before turning the blanket on. The blanket will give a warning of the absolute don’ts, which could end up protecting you from serious injury.

Don’t buy old or second-hand

It might be tempting to save money and buy a second-hand or older blanket. However, the majority of incidents that occur with electric blankets are with ones that are more than ten years old. Second-hand appliances might also come with damage, and a seller who wants to get the best price might not be keen to tell you about any of these faults.

Limit usage

On cold British winter days, most people would love to turn on an electric blanket and lie under it all day. But this increases the risk of a fire, as well as overheating. Our recommendation is to turn on the blanket for 30 minutes at a time. Then when you turn it off, it will still provide plenty of heat to keep you warm. This won’t just make it safer, it will reduce your electricity bill come the end of the month.

Joshua Houston, home safety expert at Household Quotes said: "Electric blankets are becoming more common in homes across the country, not just with the older generation but also young people. But many aren’t aware of the potential hazards concerned with them. Follow my warnings as not doing so could be dangerous for yourself and those who live in your home."