Electric blanket safety checks to take place this month (From Ledbury Reporter)

Electric blanket safety tests to take place across Herefordshire

10:16am Thursday 11th October 2012 in News

PEOPLE will be able to check the safety of their electric blankets at six spots across the county this month.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service ( HWFRS) have teamed up with Age UK and representatives from other partner agencies to hold events at fire stations in Herefordshire where people can take their blankets to be tested and get advice on a range of other services for older people, as electric blankets are largely used by the elderly.

Pete Hope, community safety advisor with HWFRS, said: “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.

“We were able to offer replacement blankets for those found to be unsafe, and this is something we will be repeating this year.”

For those unable to go along to a testing session, regular checks should be carried out, and usage of the blanket should stop immediately if the lead is worn or there are any missing connections, exposed elements, scorch marks, water damage, or any creasing or folding.

Electric blankets should be tested every year and replaced every 10 years and users should 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.

The dates of this year’s free electric blanket testing sessions in Herefordshire are as follows, all between 9.30am and 3.45pm:

Monday October 22 - Hereford Fire Station, St Owen Street, Hereford

Tuesday October 23 – Bromyard Fire Station, New Road, Bromyard

Wednesday October 24 – Ledbury Fire Station, Bye Street, Ledbury

Thursday October 25 – Leominster Fire Station, Broad Street, Leominster

Friday October 26 – Ross-on-Wye Fire Station, Gloucester Road, Ross-on-Wye

Monday October 29 – Kington Fire Station, Churchill Road, Kington

Call 01432 347030 to book an appointment in advance. Alternatively, a drop in facility will be available on the day for those who are prepared to wait / collect later.