Free safety checks for electric blankets (From Salisbury Journal)

Free safety checks for electric blankets

4:10pm Monday 8th October 2012 in News

AS winter draws in people in Wiltshire are being offered free electric blanket tests.

Wiltshire Council's consumer protection team, in partnership with Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, is running a session in Salisbury to make sure people’s blankets are safe before they use them.

Wiltshire Council trading standards manager Yvonne Bennett said: “Many elderly people rely on electric blankets for extra warmth in winter but are often unaware of the dangers of using old or damaged blankets.

“More than 1,000 fires a year are caused in the UK by damaged or faulty blankets. We hope people will make appointments to use this free service to make sure they can keep safe this winter."

Watch manager Neil Chamberlain, from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety department, said: “Electric blankets are perfectly safe as long as they are looked after and checked regularly. You should always look for scorch marks, or worn/frayed cloth, as these are danger signs.

“The flex should also be checked, to make sure it is undamaged and properly connected. Making an appointment for one of these free sessions will give peace of mind.”

The session will be held at Salisbury Fire Station on Wednesday, October 24.

To make an appointment call Wiltshire Council's consumer protection team on 01225 713248 or email tradingstandards@wiltshire.gov.uk.