Are Electric Blankets Safe

Free Electric Blanket Testing Could Save Livse

Free electric blanket testing takes place across the county of Hampshire during October as Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service works in partnership with the Council to promote safety and remind residents to check their electric blankets before the cold weather sets in.

The aim of the project, run jointly by firefighters and Hampshire County Council trading standards officers using an electrical testing engineering company, is to prevent possible deaths from faulty electric blankets.

Although electric blankets have to comply with strict safety standards when they are sold, they do wear with age, and can become damaged. Blankets in poor condition are a fire hazard and can put older and vulnerable people particularly at risk.

Station Manager Ian Wadmore, of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's Community Safety Department, said "Over half of the electric blankets tested in this type of initiative have failed, showing that many people are using electric blankets that are either worn out, have poor wiring, broken controllers or have no protection against over-heating - all of which could result in a serious injury or even death. It is vital that people regularly check their electric blankets to ensure continued safety in the home. Everyone who has an electric blanket that is more than three years old should make sure it is safe by getting it checked.'

"This year we have a limited number of appointments available and I would urge residents to book now to avoid disappointment and check whether their older relatives or neighbours would benefit from this service."

Sessions will take place across Hampshire from Monday 3 October through to Wednesday 19 October 2011. Appointments are available at various venues and can be booked by calling the Hampshire Trading Standards booking line on 01962 833358 (Appointments necessary) .

Anyone who is unable to attend the testing dates is advised to follow a simple eight-point safety check before turning your blankets on.

Are Electric Blankets Safe - News

Free Electric Blanket Testing Could Save Livse

It is vital that people regularly check their electric blankets to ensure continued safety in the home. Everyone who has an electric blanket that is more than three years old should make sure it is safe by getting it checked.

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Ten events will be held across Cumbria in September and October and residents can bring their blanket to be tested, by appointment only, between 9am and 5pm at the following locations:

Monday 19 September – Nan Tait Centre, Abbey Road, Barrow Tuesday 20 September – Civic Hall, Cleator Moor Wednesday 21 September – Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre, Workington Thursday 22 September – Evergreen Hall Community Centre, Penrith Friday 23 September – Community Centre, Harraby, Carlisle Monday 3 October – Committee Room 2, County Offices, Kendal Tuesday 4 October – St Paul’s Parish Church Hall, Grange Wednesday 5 October – Methodist Church Hall, Hartley Street, Ulverston Thursday 6 October -Methodist Church Hall, Main Street, Wigton Friday 7 October – Age UK, Old Customs House, Whitehaven

Safety checks will be undertaken by qualified staff who are able to correct minor faults. For those blankets which fail safety tests, Cumbria County Council will provide one replacement under-blanket per household.

Among the common issues are problems such as defective overheating protection, exposed wires or failing insulation. Although electric blankets have to comply with strict safety standards when they are sold, they do wear with age and can become damaged. Improper storage during the summer is one of the main reasons for blankets developing faults.

Checks undertaken in the past have revealed more than half the blankets had faults that could have been potentially life-threatening to users and increase the risk of fire.

Cumbria County Councillor Gary Strong, cabinet member for trading standards, said: “Faulty electric blankets carry a very real risk of causing fires and personal injury, often to the most vulnerable people. I would encourage people who own an electric blanket to take advantage of this offer and book an appointment to get their blanket checked, as this opportunity will only be available during at these scheduled events.