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Get your electric blanket tested before it's too late

Wednesday, 18th August 2010.

Summer may still have some weeks to run, but trading standards officers are already thinking about electric blankets.

In a new campaign Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, Age Concern and the Electrical Safety Council are asking the residents of Suffolk whether they are dying to get into bed.

Phil Embury, assistant chief fire officer said: “Appliances which are not maintained properly could easily start a fire, destroy homes and cost lives. Electric blankets are the cause of over a thousand fires in the UK every year and some have even resulted in death.

“We know that there are still old electric blankets out there in homes across Suffolk which may not be safe for use, therefore Suffolk County Council is providing free safety checks. Book your appointment at one of the venues near you so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to get your blanket tested.”

Jon Illingworth, community safety policy officer, said: “In the last ten years Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Trading Standards have tested over 4,000 electric blankets.

"Of those, almost half were found to be potentially lethal and were condemned. Because of this we are offering free electric blanket testing at locations across the county.”

The nearst place for Haverhill people to get their blankets tested is at Bury St Edmunds fire station on Wednesday, September 15, but you will need to book your place in advance.

The booking line is now open and the number to contact is 01473 260586.



For those not able to make the date, a collection service is being offered. In order to receive this service residents will need to book a test at one of the venues via the booking line.

The blanket will then be collected by the fire and rescue service the day before the test, taken to the venue for testing and all blankets that pass the test will then be returned within a few days.

This year, as a special incentive to book a free test, if a blanket fails it will be replaced with a free under blanket.

Blankets should be tested routinely every three years and should not be used at all if they show any of the following tell-tale danger signs:
• Fraying fabric
• Scorch marks
• Exposed elements
• Creasing or folding
• Soiling
• Damp patches
• Tie tapes damaged or missing
• Worn flex
• Loose connections
• An old BEAB (British Electrotechnical Approvals Board) safety mark – The old mark, which means the blanket is more than ten years old is a round symbol. The new sign shows white capital letters on a black background.

Haverhill Online News

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