How old was this heating blanket, Fern? I find it hard to believe that I need to throw out my heating blanket every year. Seems a little absurd. Besides, they manufacture heated mattress pads, which is not that different from what katwoman described. I'm sorry you had that experience, but I am not throwing out my heating blanket every year. I do inspect it every season to make sure it is still in good shape. Mine should be, it is only one year old.
Sunbeam links:
Safety
Care: "As a rule of thumb, you should replace your product at least every five years."