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Home » News & Events » 2010 » September » A third of electric blankets tested found to be unsafe

A third of electric blankets tested found to be unsafe

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A third of all electric blankets brought along to a safety testing session in Stourport-on-Severn this morning (Monday 20 September) were found to be unsafe.


The electric blanket testing session, held at Stourport Fire Station, was one of three 'Home Safe Home' events planned for the Wyre Forest area during September and October, with sessions in Bewdley and Kidderminster still to follow.

Representatives from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and Wyre Forest District Council were joined by Age Concern, Acton Energy, NHS Worcestershire, the Community Housing Group and West Mercia Police at the first of these multi-agency events, which are targeted primarily towards older people. As well as getting their electric blankets tested, those attending were also able to take advantage of free property marking and get advice on home security, health care and energy efficiency, and other services for older people.

They were also given advice on all aspects of fire safety, particularly the importance of having working smoking alarms fitted in the home, and there were also five home safety check referrals from the event.

Community Safety Advisor Caroline Webster said: "Out of the 46 electric blankets tested at the Stourport session, a total of 16 failed, ie just over a third of all those tested were found to be defective in one way or another.

"Thankfully we have very few incidents that we can link directly to defective electric blankets but this result is concerning and we'd urge all electric blanket users to have a good look at the condition of their blanket, and to discontinue using it if they notice any signs of wear and tear, especially any exposed elements, scorch marks or water damage."

One free replacement per household was offered to those whose electric blanket failed the safety checks. (Note that replacement blankets are subject to availability.)

She added: "Our next 'Home Safe Home' event will take place on Tuesday 28 September between 9.30am and 1pm at Bewdley Fire Station in Dog Lane, Bewdley. Again we would urge all electric blanket users to bring their blankets along to be properly tested – just call 01562 512612 to arrange an appointment."

She encouraged people to book an appointment in advance to avoid a significant wait or having to return and collect later.

The third Wyre Forest electric blanket testing session will take place on Wednesday 6 October at Kidderminster Fire Station, between 9.30am and 3.30pm.