As autumn approaches and temperatures fall, residents might be thinking about getting out their electric blankets.
Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards, and Fire & Rescue Service, want to ensure everyone is safe - as well as warm - this winter. They're offering free electric blanket tests.
To book a safety check appointment phone 01865 895999 or email [email protected]
An electric blanket safety check can only be guaranteed if it's pre-booked as the events are expected to be very popular.
Tea and biscuits will be available to everyone, along with information and advice on a range of issues, provided by Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, Age UK, Oxfordshire's District Councils, Public Health England, Wiltshire Farm Foods, and Scottish and Southern Electricity.
Monday 07 October
Thame Town Hall
High Street
Thame OX9 3DP
Richard Webb, Assistant Director Regulatory Services and Community Safety for Oxfordshire County Council said: “I urge people to book their place at one of our testing days.
"If the condition of the blanket is allowed to deteriorate there is the possibility it could become faulty, risking injury and fire.
“We want to ensure that electric blankets are still safe for use. So come along and encourage any elderly neighbours to attend too. It is better to be safe than sorry.”
Testing electric blankets has taken place in Oxfordshire for over 20 years. The failure rate is still over 30%.
Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service has dealt with house fires started by old electric blankets.
The team want to make every contact count. They hope free tea and biscuits will act as an extra incentive for residents to come along to one of the safety sessions where they'll be able to access useful information and advice from a number of organisations and experts.
An electric blanket safety check can only be guaranteed if it's pre-booked
Residents with mobility issues are asked to inform the team when making an appointment. Help can then provided in getting their blanket to a testing venue.
This advice is part of Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service’s 365alive initiative.
For more information about the initiative, please visit www.365alive.co.uk
