Warwickshire News Mine

Free testing will be available on the following dates at the venues below:

Monday 5th October Leamington Town Hall
Tuesday 6th October Nuneaton Fire Station
Wednesday 7th October Kenilworth Library
Thursday 8th October Rugby Library
Friday 9th October United Reformed Church, Stratford

The booking hotline is now open, telephone or email:

01926 736477
(Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

ebtesting@warwickshire.gov.uk

Bookings for electric blanket tests are available by appointment only and will be taken on a first come first served basis. The number of appointments is limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Due to the expected demand for blanket tests, a limit of two blankets per person has been set.

Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection said: “I strongly urge people to take advantage of this service. Faulty electric blankets have the potential to catch fire and cause serious harm.

"Indeed, earlier this year an elderly lady in Warwickshire had to be rescued by the Fire Service due to a fire caused by a faulty electric blanket. Fortunately the lady was not hurt.

"Even though they are made to strict standards electric blankets do not have to be very old before they begin to wear. So please take this opportunity to have your blanket checked – for free!”

If you are unable to take advantage of the testing programme you can check your 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

Link to WCC