The electric blanket was invented somewhere around the 1900's. This primitive invention was a far cry from the modern electric blankets of today. These blankets were big and bulky and very dangerous to use. The electric blanket gained notoriety in the 1920's when tuberculosis sanitariums began using them. TB patients were placed outside in the fresh air a lot and the electric blanket was used to keep them warm.
The electric blankets of today are much safer and easier to use. They are also more attractive. It is very difficult to tell an electric blanket from a regular blanket.
A good electric blanket can be great on those cold winter nights when you just can't seem to get rid of that chill in your bones. But even though electric blankets have been made safer, you still need to know what precautions to take.
Please remember that an electric blanket is an electric device. Do not use it if any wires are exposed and do not use it around water. Never buy a second hand electric blanket. Always purchase a new one that has been factory checked and comes with a good warranty.
There are many types of electric blankets on the market today and they come in different price ranges. It is probably a good idea to purchase one that has an automatic shutoff. Experts caution against using an electric blanket while you are sleeping, so buying one that will automatically shut off after a couple of hours is probably a good idea. You should also place a thin blanket or sheet between you and the electric blanket to prevent burns.
People who have poor circulation, especially diabetics, should be very careful when using an electric blanket. A person with poor circulation cannot feel heat and pain the way a normal person would. Using an electric blanket in these cases could result in burns before the person even realizes it. This is very dangerous to diabetics who have a tough time healing from any type of injury or burn.
Be especially careful in using an electric blanket on a person who cannot communicate. If you are the caregiver of an Alzheimer's patient or a very young child and you choose to use an electric blanket to help keep them warm, be very diligent about checking them frequently. If the skin becomes red or feels too warm, turn off the electric blanket or remove it altogether.
It is always a good idea to never use an electric blanket on an infant. It is too much of a risk for burns and suffocation.
An electric blanket can be a great way to stay warm in the winter. Just make sure that you follow all the precautions and use it very carefully. Be warm, but be safe also.
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