West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service testing uncovers 102 unsafe electric blankets
The service says regular testing is recommended for blankets over two years old to ensure they are still safe to use
More than a hundred faulty electric blankets were identified and taken out of use during West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s annual testing sessions last autumn.
Defective electric blankets pose a serious fire risk. The service says regular testing is recommended for blankets over two years old to ensure they are still safe to use, while blankets over ten years old should be replaced.
For venues with events running over two days, appointments for the second day will only be released once the first day is fully booked.
Tuesday 29 September (10am – 4.30pm) – Sage House, City Fields Way, Tangmere, Chichester PO20 2FP
Wednesday 30 September (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Bognor Fire Station, West Meads Drive, Bognor Regis, PO21 5TB
Thursday 1 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Bognor Fire Station, West Meads Drive, Bognor Regis, PO21 5TB
Monday 5 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Durrington Community Centre, 2 Romany Road, Worthing BN13 3FJ
Tuesday 6 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Durrington Community Centre, 2 Romany Road, Worthing, BN13 3FJ
Wednesday 7 October (10am – 4pm) – Horsham Library, Lower Tanbridge Way, Horsham RH12 1PJ
Thursday 8 October (10am – 4pm) – Lancing Parish Hall, Community Hub, 96 South Street, Lancing, BN15 8AJ
Tuesday 13 October (10am – 4pm) – Age UK, Glen Vue Centre, Railway Approach, East Grinstead, RH19 1BS
Wednesday 14 October (10am – 4pm) – The Bridge Leisure Centre, Wickhurst Lane, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, RH12 3YS
Thursday 15 October (10am – 4pm) – Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Spierbridge Road, Storrington, RH20 4BG
Tuesday 20 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Haywards Heath Fire Station, Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1XQ
Wednesday 21 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Haywards Heath Fire Station, Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1XQ
The sessions will also be attended by Prevention Assessment Team nurses and representatives from the Sussex Fraud Team and Neighbourhood Watch, who will be on hand to offer additional advice and support.
The Citizens Advice Energy Team will also be attending some events with advice on heating homes during winter and improving energy efficiency.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Safe and Well Manager Samantha Barber said: “We are really pleased to be offering free electric blanket testing again this year.
“Last year we tested 334 blankets and found 102 to be unsafe, posing a significant fire risk.
“We would encourage residents to get their blankets checked. It’s a simple step that can provide reassurance and help keep you and your home safe. Our friendly team will be on hand to help and answer any questions.”