Testing times for electric blankets
As the weather turns chilly, many people bring out their electric blankets for extra warmth. Mid Sussex District Council supports the current Fire Service initiative to test the safety of your equipment before you use it.
Free electric blanket tests are being held by West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service. Testing will take place at East Grinstead Fire Station on Monday 12 October and Haywards Heath Fire Station on Friday 16 October.
Last year similar tests welcomed 112 people with their blankets. Of those tested, 42 blankets were not recommended for further use and out of those 12 were identified as dangerous.
Councillor Christopher Snowling, the Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Community said, “We support this initiative by our colleagues in the Fire and Rescue Service. While it is important to keep well and warm when the weather turns cold we do urge residents to ensure their equipment is safe and up to standard.”
Each year Fire Services are called to some 1,000 fires caused by electric blankets. More than 20 people are killed and 250 injured in these fires, so getting your blanket tested is really important.
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