As the mercury drops and we all reach for that extra layer of warmth, it’s tempting to snap up a bargain electric blanket or heater online.
But before you click ‘add to cart’ on that suspiciously cheap winter warmer, it’s worth considering: is saving a few dollars worth risking your safety—or even your life? This winter, authorities are sounding the alarm about the dangers lurking in our bedrooms and living rooms.
The culprit? Cheap or faulty electric products, from powerboards to electric blankets, can turn a cosy night into a nightmare.
Just ask Wal Clarke, a 92-year-old Sydneysider who recently returned to his Daceyville home after a devastating fire.
The blaze, which tore through his property at the end of May, nearly claimed the life of his partner, Maria. She was home, fast asleep, when the smoke alarm jolted her awake.
Maria managed to escape but ran back inside, heartbreakingly, to save the couple’s dog. Firefighters found her at the back door—and say she was just a minute away from tragedy.
The cause? Fire investigators believe an overloaded powerboard, likely in contact with bedding, sparked the inferno.
‘It is so easy,’ Wal reflected, a sobering reminder of how quickly disaster can strike.
Sadly, Wal and Maria’s story is far from unique. Fire and Rescue New South Wales said overloaded powerboards, cheap heaters, and dodgy electric blankets are among the most common causes of fatal house fires during the colder months.
Inspector Adam Dewberry warned, ‘People have got power pulling out of all outlets of the power board—it’s a recipe for disaster. They do catch fire.’
It’s a chilling thought: the devices we rely on to keep us warm could harm us.
Why cheap isn’t cheerful
This year, consumer advocacy group CHOICE issued an urgent warning to Australians: Beware of cheap imitations, especially when shopping online.
Their latest testing of electric blankets examined how well they warmed the bed, their safety features and overall cost. Here are their top safe choices:
- Breville BodyZone: Top performer, winter running cost: $18
- Sunbeam Sleep Express: High safety rating: $23
- Tontine Soft and Cosy: Budget-friendly and safe: $11
- Dreammaker Fully Fitted Bamboo: $ 14 running cost over winter
- Kmart Anko Electric Heated Topper: Low-cost and rated safe: $12
The verdict? Spending a little more upfront is an investment in peace of mind.
‘You’re going to get that reassurance that you’re putting something safe in your home, which is the most important thing,’ said Skyler Talbot from Harvey Norman.
‘It’s going in your room, a kid’s room—you don’t want to take a risk on something like that.’
How fast can fire strike?
If you think you’d have plenty of time to react, think again. A recent training video shared by firefighters shows how quickly a bedroom can be engulfed in flames after an electric blanket malfunctions, sometimes in minutes.
Once a fire starts, it can be almost impossible to stop. So, what can you do to keep your home safe and warm this winter? Here are some essential tips from the experts:
- Buy from reputable retailers. Avoid cheap, unbranded products online. Look for Australian safety certifications.
- Don’t overload powerboards. Plug in only as many devices as the board is rated for, and never ‘daisy-chain’ multiple boards together.
- Check your electric blankets and heaters. Inspect cords and plugs for wear and tear. If in doubt, replace them.
- Never leave heaters or electric blankets on unattended. Turn them off before you go to sleep or leave the house.
- Keep bedding, clothes, and other flammable items away from heaters and powerboards.
- Test your smoke alarms regularly. They’re your first line of defence.
It’s easy to be lured by a bargain, especially when the cost of living is biting. But the cheapest option for electric blankets, heaters, and powerboards can be the most expensive mistake you ever make.
Have you had a close call with a faulty electric product? Or do you have tips for staying safe and warm this winter? We’d love to hear your stories and advice in the comments below—your experience could help keep someone else safe.
Also read: One-third of Australians suffer eczema in winter—here’s what to do
