Bed warming equipment should be used with caution
30/09/2011
There are various products on the market to help warm a bed during the winter months, but they need to be used safely.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has highlighted the risks involved with such devices following a fire at an elderly woman's home.
The 90-year-old had gone to bed with a microwavable wheat bag and woke up to find it had caught fire.
A fire service spokesman commented: "We're urging people to ensure their elderly friends and relatives have working smoke alarms fitted.
"With the autumn on its way, we're also warning people to check electric blankets before their first use of the year."
The need for bed warming devices may be delayed for a few days yet, as many parts of the UK are experiencing temperatures well above average for this time of year.
Paul Gundersen, Met Office deputy chief forecaster, explained that some parts of the country could even see temperatures reaching 28 degrees C on Saturday (October 1st).
Posted by Michael Ewing
