Get your electric blanket checked - six out of ten could cause fire

Date published: 27 August 2010

Lancashire County Council’s Trading Standards Service will be running free safety checks on electric blankets this September.

The tests will help ensure blankets are in a safe condition as winter approaches.

Similar checks carried out in 2008 found 58% of electric blankets to be unsafe.

Common faults found included evidence of overheating and insulation breakdown, vital anti-overheating protection not being fitted and exposed live wires.

County Councillor Albert Atkinson, Cabinet member for Community, Planning and Partnerships, said: "Each year there are around 1,000 fires in the UK caused by faulty electric blankets and it is generally older people aged over 65 who are at greatest risk.
"Any electric blanket over three years old should be regularly tested. We are urging Lancashire residents, particularly the elderly, to take advantage of this opportunity to get their electric blankets checked."

The testing is being offered to Lancashire residents on a strictly appointment-only basis.

Residents can drop off their blankets at various locations across the county at pre-arranged times during the first week of September. The blankets will be collected and tested centrally and then returned to the drop–off point at a later date for collection.

You can phone 01772 533569 to book an appointment and for further details of the drop-off and collection arrangements.