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Home » News & Events » 2011 » October » Electric Blankets – Have You Checked Yours?

Electric Blankets – Have You Checked Yours?

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The events, targeted primarily towards older people, will be held at fire stations across Herefordshire (Hereford, Bromyard, Leominster, Kington and Ross-on-Wye) and will involve Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&WFRS) as well as representatives from Age UK, Trading Standards, Local Policing Teams from West Mercia Police and Signposting at Herefordshire Council.


Those attending can take their electric blankets along to be tested and can also get advice on home security, health care and energy efficiency, and other services for older people.

The testing days will be held on:

• Hereford Fire Station – Monday 31 October – 10am to 3.30pm

• Bromyard Fire Station – Tuesday 1 November 10am to 3.30pm

• Leominster Fire Station – Wednesday 2 November - 10am to 3.30pm

• Kington Fire Station – Thursday 3 November – 10am to 3.30pm

• Ross Fire Station – Friday 4 November – 10am to 3.30pm

At a blanket testing session at Ledbury Fire Station held on Friday 21 October, 80 blankets were tested and 25 failed.

Pete Hope, Community Safety Advisor with H&WFRS, said: "The most common fault we saw during the day was the poor condition of the wiring, in some cases posing a significant risk to the user. A number of blankets presented for testing were over 20 years old and had never been tested. As a result of this, on this occasion, we were able to replace those blankets that had failed, helping to reduce the potential for serious injury." He urged all electric blanket users to inspect their blankets on a regular basis, whether or not they can get along to one of the testing sessions. He said: "Check blankets and leads for signs of wear and tear, and discontinue use if there are worn leads or missing connections, any exposed elements, scorch marks or water damage, or any creasing or folding."

He recommended that electric blankets should be tested every two years and replaced every 10 years, and that the manufacturer's instructions for using the electric blanket are followed to ensure safe use and storage.

He also urged electric blanket users not to take hot water bottles or drinks to bed with them, as any leaks or spills on the blanket could result in a dangerous mix of water and electricity.

To book your FREE blanket test at one of the testing events in Herefordshire, please make an appointment by calling 01432 347 030. Alternatively, a drop in facility will be available on the day for those who are prepared to wait / collect later.