What are the dangers of heating pads and heating blankets?
Many people know that a heating pad can give them comfort but lots of people don't know that a heating pad can burn you - or even electrocute you! It's a little known fact that heating pads, when used improperly, cause many accidents in a year. Heating pads, although rare, can cause everything from minor burns to major injuries - even death. Knowing how to properly operate a heating pad is very important if you intend to use one, for yourself or someone you love. One thing many people mistakenly do is fall asleep with the heating pad on. This is not advisable. Heating pads can get too hot, and catch fire, when people fall asleep with them. Today's heating pads usually have an automatic shut-off, which allows you to use the pad for a limited amount of time, before it shuts off by itself. These are much safer than the ones that stay on until you manually shut them off. Many people suffer burns or blistering because of using the heating pad too long. Leaving the pad in one place for a long period of time puts you at risk for burns or blisters. Always place a towel or something similar on the skin before laying the heating pad in the needed area. The towel will protect your skin. If the heating pad is one that is already covered in cloth raise it and check the skin under the pad frequently, to make sure you are not blistering
