Fire crews have issued an urgent safety alert as Britain prepares for an Arctic blast that could see temperatures plunge to a bone-chilling -7°C next week.
The Hidden Bedroom Danger
Gloucestershire Fire Brigade has highlighted a potentially lethal household hazard that could affect many people trying to stay warm during the cold snap. The service specifically warned against using electric blankets and hot water bottles together, stating the combination could lead to electrocution.
In a social media post, the brigade advised residents to always use hot water bottle covers, check expiration dates, avoid overfilling them, and crucially, never use an electric blanket simultaneously with a hot water bottle.
Freezing Weather Conditions Ahead
The warning comes as The Met Office predicts widespread frosts and icy conditions across the UK following Storm Claudia's departure. Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley confirmed temperatures would "dip as low as -7C in places next week" with daytime temperatures struggling to reach single digits.
"As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the north west will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK," Holley explained. "This will bring much colder conditions than of late and while the weather is set to be drier than recent days, there's also a risk of wintry hazards such as snow and ice."
Health Alerts and Safety Recommendations
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold weather alert for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber regions from Monday until Saturday morning. This alert level indicates potential "significant impacts across health and social care services" including increased demand for medical attention and higher risks for vulnerable groups.
Fire safety experts recommend conducting regular safety checks on electric blankets every three years and following manufacturer guidelines carefully. The combination of electrical heating elements with rubber hot water bottles creates a dangerous situation that many households might not recognise until it's too late.
With the coldest night since March already recorded at -7C in Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands, and yellow cold-health alerts active across most of England until Saturday, residents are urged to prioritise safe heating methods during the prolonged cold spell.
