Electric blankets—especially ones older than 10 years old—have become a bit infamous for being fire hazards. But when it comes to safety, modern heated blankets have come leaps and bounds past their predecessors. Look for independently tested blankets and bedding that have met safety standards (such UL or ETL). These agencies ensure that the blankets can handle wear and tear, that they don’t get too hot, that they’re machine washable, and more.
Make sure to treat electric blankets gently. You don’t want to fold them tightly, ball them up, or otherwise damage the inner electric components. You shouldn’t use heavy bedding on top of heated blankets or wrap them too closely around your body—it can cause overheating. (I experienced this when I fell asleep underneath mine wrapped up like a burrito and woke up hours later drenched in sweat.)
You shouldn’t plug your blanket into an extension cord, and you should never leave the blanket on if you’re not using it. Keep it out of reach of pets, kids, or anyone with reduced heat sensitivity who might not be able to tell if they’re getting too hot. Make sure the heated blanket is fully dry after washing before you use it again. And finally, be on the lookout for anything amiss, like strange smells or spotty performance. If you encounter these scenarios, immediately unplug the blanket and reach out to the manufacturer for further instructions.