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Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate, Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker (Fred Griffin Real Estate)

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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I have used an electric blanket for years - no safety concerns for me. 

I also use a heating pad. Unlike what others have commented, I have many times slept with it under my back or neck. 

Jan 15, 2022 05:46 PM
Rainmaker
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Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I am not aware of any risks, when used properly and with the cords encased in their wrapper.

Jan 15, 2022 08:25 PM
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Susan Emo
Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I've used an electric blanket for all of my adult life with never an issue.  From what I know, there is only a danger if you sleep on top of a heating pad. 

Jan 15, 2022 05:14 PM
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Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

Yes Fred, an electric blanket can catch on fire. A friend left his on and woke up to flames, burning his hand/arm severely. Not sure about getting electrocuted. The life span of electric blankets is short.

Jan 15, 2022 03:19 PM
Rainer
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Karen Climer
Demetree School of Real Estate - Orlando, FL
Teaching people to pass the real estate exam

Occasionally, I use an electric heating pad for back pain or some other ache.  But I would never sleep with it on. I use it for a short time, then turn it off.

Jan 15, 2022 02:45 PM
Rainmaker
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Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

Only a heating pad once in awhile, wouldn't ever sleep on it. I've never had an electric blanket. 

Jan 15, 2022 04:41 PM
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

I don't use any of these, Fred, so I have no clue about safety. I actually turn off the heat in the winter in the bedroom... prefer to sleep in a cool, not warm environment.

Jan 15, 2022 02:48 PM
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Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Take care, follow the instructions and be safe.

Jan 15, 2022 02:42 PM
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Fred,

No we do not and like Nina Hollander, Broker we turn off the heat in the evening.  I love our down comforter.  A

Jan 15, 2022 05:29 PM
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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

I have used an electric blanket in the past but only for pre-heating the bed for about 5 minutes before I got in. I turned it off when I got in.  I haven't needed a heated blanket for years... hot flashes took care of that!

Jan 16, 2022 06:08 AM
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Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I think electric blankets have evolved beyond being unsafe, having said that where I live it would rarely be needed.

Jan 16, 2022 05:26 AM
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Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I have one and have used it in the past but where I live it rarely gets cold enough for me to need it so I haven't used it in quite a while.  It seems safe to me but I guess some are made better than others.

Jan 16, 2022 04:06 AM
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Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

I don't use either.

Jan 16, 2022 07:25 AM
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Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I have both & do not feel like they are a problem. My heating pad that I recently purchased goes off automatically after 6 hours.

Jan 16, 2022 06:41 AM
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Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

I've been known to use a heating pad when awake & alert but the idea of an electric blanket freaks me out.  I'll pile up multiple blankets instead of plugging one in.  ;)

Jan 16, 2022 06:41 AM
Rainmaker
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Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Many years ago living in Chicago we used an electric blanket for most of the winter months. Since moving back to Chicago we have not

Jan 16, 2022 03:17 AM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I am sure that the danger of these is minor, I would be more concerned with EM exposure over a long time.

Jan 16, 2022 01:05 AM
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Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Yes ,we use an electric blanket for a short period of time here in AZ (maybe a month or so) and have never had an issue.

Jan 15, 2022 08:06 PM
Rainmaker
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John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

While there was a time that we used an electric blanket, we have not done so in many years. No issue regarding safety...we just find that we are plenty warm and comfortable with our non-electric blankets.

Jan 16, 2022 08:54 AM
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Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Heating pad yes. Blanket no.
I have not turned heat on in the house for the past 8 years. I assume with a blanket that can be extended indefinitely. However, I suspect electric blankets have an expiry date (degrading plastics) that would render them risky when the once in 20 years event occurs.....or my aging body is losing its internal heat generating capability.

Jan 16, 2022 06:15 AM
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Michael J. Perry
Fathom Realty - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I had forgotten all about these ! It’s been over 40 years since I’ve seen one

Jan 16, 2022 05:15 AM
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Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

There is a  heating pad called a Thermaphore®. It has a rocker, 

"dead man" switch. You have to hold the lever to keep it on. 'Supposedly' you can't fall asleep while using.

                                                                      dead man switch

Jan 16, 2022 07:56 AM
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Jeff Pearl
Samson Properties / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Yes. Several fires were caused by electric blankets. The cheaper made ones are more likely to be cause of fires. Electrocution is less likely. Although space heaters are more likely to cause fires in homes. We don't use electric blankets.

Jan 16, 2022 07:14 AM
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Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Years ago I had an electric blanket, but don't get cold often now, and usually only use the sheet.

Jan 16, 2022 07:11 AM
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Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I could never get used to this concept as it is not natural & becomes uncomfortable after a while. Using wool or thermal or doubling-up preferred

Jan 16, 2022 06:07 AM
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Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Fred- I’ve never used an electric blanket, but have on occasion used a heating pad

Jan 16, 2022 05:26 AM
Rainmaker
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Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

In the winter, on extremely chilly nights, we have turned on the electric blanket.  I also use a heating pad for hip, shoulder and back issues.  Not aware of any concerns but with the heating pad I only use 20 minutes at a time. 

Jan 16, 2022 11:08 AM
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Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

I'm not totally sure BUT anything with electricity running through it has the potential for fire

Jan 16, 2022 03:45 PM
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I have used a heating pad for my back in the past. It has a 3-hour cut-off and have never had an issue with them. I think the older ones did have safety concerns but, not sure about the newer ones - only the one I've used and again, had no issues.

Jan 16, 2022 12:38 PM
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Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

I don't suggest using it in the bathtub

Jan 16, 2022 10:57 AM
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Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I use a heating pad for my sore back. Still healing from a traumatic fall last spring. The heat helps but i do not leave it on if i leave the room. 

 

Jan 16, 2022 11:24 AM
Rainer
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Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

I have both, I use both, it's never plugged out when we're sleeping or away from home.

Jan 16, 2022 10:41 AM
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Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC • Short Sale • Probate

I have been using them for years. We tried many of different kinds, since they do not last long. Other than that I never had any issues. 

Jan 16, 2022 09:15 PM
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Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

New models of electric blankets will automatically shut itself off when they reach a certain temperature Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate  so unless you are using an old electric blanket I would not worry at all - sleep well and warm  

Jan 17, 2022 07:25 AM
Rainmaker
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Esperanza Butler® 818 926 5425
KW Keller Williams Realty -Esperanza Butler-DRE 01797405 - West Hills, CA
Homes For Sale in West Hills, Ca (818) 926-5425

I don't have hight blood presure but my temperature is always high, I dont' need an electric blanket for sure 😄. Also, since I don't know how safe they are, I think  I would be affraid to use it. Great post Fred. 

Jan 16, 2022 10:01 PM
Rainmaker
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Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Never used one; love my down comforters and flannels.

Jan 16, 2022 05:25 PM
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