Book Now for your Free Electric Blanket Test
Free electric blanket tests are to be offered to Warwickshire’s over 60’s by Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service.
Electric blanket tests will be conducted during the month of October in the following towns: Kenilworth; Nuneaton; Stratford upon Avon; Leamington Spa; Southam and Rugby.
The booking hotline is now open, call:
01926 736477
Tests will be conducted by appointment only, and bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis. The number of appointments is limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection said:
“Unsafe electric blankets have the potential to catch fire and kill, and elderly people are particularly at risk making up the majority of accident victims.
Last year the Trading Standards Service failed one third of the 533 blankets tested (179), many because they were so old they did not have overheat protection devices fitted - built in to more modern blankets to help prevent a fire if the blanket develops a fault whilst it is turned on.
I would therefore strongly urge older people in Warwickshire to take advantage of this important service provided by Warwickshire Trading Standards in conjunction with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue and the Library and Information Service.”
Electric blankets sold in the shops are made to strict safety standards. But they wear with age - and what’s more a not-so-old blanket can become dangerous too - and can even start a fire, if it is misused.
Those unable to take advantage of the testing programme can check their own blankets by looking for the following warning signs:
· the fabric is worn or frayed
· there are scorch marks anywhere
· the tie tapes are damaged or missing
· the flex is worn or damaged
· any connections are loose
Remember older blankets in regular use are much more likely to have one or more of the above faults.
For a complete guide to choosing, using, storing, and checking your electric blanket, visit our website http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards
Due to the expected demand for blanket tests, a limit of two blankets per person has been set. However, details of testing houses which deal with bulk and trade enquiries can be provided on request for private nursing and residential homes which are interested in having large numbers of blankets tested.
Warwickshire Trading Standards would like to thank Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service and Warwickshire Library and Information Service for their support in providing premises.