Jump to main content

News & Events

Home » News & Events » 2014 » November » Worcester residents invited to electric blanket testing session

Worcester residents invited to electric blanket testing session

in Events

Worcester residents invited to electric blanket testing session

Those attending can take their electric blankets along to be tested and can also get advice on a range of other services for older people. Advice on all aspects of fire safety will also be available on the day – particularly the importance of having correctly fitted and workingsmoke alarms in the home.

Becky Valender, Community Safety Advisor with HWFRS, said: "Electric blanket safety testing has become a key part of our community safety calendar. Last year, just under a third of electric blankets we tested were found to be defective in one way or another, some of them presenting a significant risk to the user.

She confirmed that the blanket testing will take place from 10.00am to 2.00pm, at Age UK, Bank House, 7 Shaw Street, Worcester on Thursday 20 November. Call 01905 724 294 to make an appointment.

She urged electric blanket users to call the telephone number to book an appointment in advance.

She also urged electric blanket users who were unable to get along to one of the testing sessions to be sure to inspect their blankets on a regular basis. She said: "Check the blanket and lead for signs of wear and tear, and stop using it immediately if the lead is worn, or you can see any missing connections, exposed elements, scorch marks or water damage, or any creasing or folding."

Becky recommended that electric blankets should be tested every year and replaced every 10 years, and that the manufacturer's instructions are carefully followed to ensure safe use and storage.

She finished off by advising 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.