Electric blanket testing is being carried out at a variety of venues across Brighton & Hove from Monday September 9 to Wednesday September 11.
It may still be summer weather - but now is a good time for anyone who uses an electric blanket to plan ahead to ensure it is safe and sound to use this winter.
The free tests are carried out in a joint venture between Brighton & Hove City Council’s trading standards and adult social care teams and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
Nationally around 5,000 fires a year are blamed on faulty electric blankets and last year almost one in three blankets tested in Brighton & Hove were found to be unsafe.
The fire brigade recommends that all electric blankets are tested every three years and replaced every ten years and people are being urged to check for wear and tear, dampness, scorch marks and flex damage before using their blankets this year.
When buying a new blanket, shoppers are advised to look out for the British and European standard and safety certification mark.
The fire brigade is also offering to fit free smoke alarms.
Electric blanket testing is being carried out at following locations Preston Circus Fire Station, Roedean Fire Station and Hove Town Hall, see details below. Please call the trading standards team or email for an appointment or for more information, as these sessions can get busy. Call 01273 292494 or email Donna Lynsdale on donna.lynsdale@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
Sessions take place from 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm each day at:
- Monday September 9 Preston Circus Fire Station
- Tuesday September 10 Hove Town Hall
- Wednesday September 11 Roedean Fire Station
More information
Last year the city council and fire brigade tested 167 electric blankets and found that 48 - 29 per cent - were unsafe.
Find out more about the work of Trading Standards
Find out more about the work of Adult Social Care