Witney News - Stay safe with free electric blanket testing

Stay safe with free electric blanket testing

West Oxfordshire residents have the chance to get their electric blankets tested for free before the winter months set in.

The safety checks are being organised by West Oxfordshire District Council in conjunction with Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards and Fire and Rescue Service.

Residents need to book in advance to attend one of the sessions, which take place on:
10th September in Witney
8th October in Chipping Norton
22nd October in Carterton

Bookings can be arranged online via the District Council’s website www.westoxon.gov.uk/blankettesting or by calling 01993 861060.
Last year, 191 electric blankets were tested at sessions in West Oxfordshire and over a quarter (55 blankets, 29%) were found to be unsafe.

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Nationally, old or damaged blankets cause more than 5,000 fires a year and blankets over 10 years old are responsible for 99% of these. Each year, around 20 people are killed and 100 injured as a result of such fires. I would like to encourage anyone who has an electric blanket to take this opportunity to get it tested and stay safe.”

Experts recommend replacement of electric blankets that are over 10 years old or showing signs of wear and tear. When buying an electric blanket people should look out for a European Certification Mark.