Free electric blanket testing to prevent fires in Norfolk

People are being invited to have their electric blankets and heated throws tested for free at libraries across Norfolk this month.

Norfolk County Council’s Trading Standards team and the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service are holding the sessions on October 13, 14 and 15, where people can have their blankets, throws and small portable heaters professionally tested.

They can also talk to the teams about product safety, home fire safety and, to coincide with National Burn Awareness Day, which is on October 15, the safety of hot water bottles.

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for communities at the county council, said: “Electric blankets cause hundreds of fires each year across the country, so we’d like people to make sure theirs are safe by attending one of these events.

“If you know someone who uses an electric blanket or a heated throw and they can’t come along, please offer to bring theirs too. We want everyone to stay safe this winter.”

The free testing events will be held at the following locations in our area:

• Fakenham Library - October 13, 10am-noon

• Downham Library - October 14, 10am-noon

• Swaffham Library - October 14, 10am-noon

At similar events held by Trading Standards and the fire service earlier this year, 60% of blankets and throws failed the safety checks when tested.

Some key safety advice is to check your blanket for wear or damage, including if the fabric is worn or frayed, scorch marks are visible on the fabric, or if wires are poking through the fabric.

People are also urged to check if there is damage to any part of the electrical cord, if the control buttons are making a buzzing sound when switched on, or if the connector fitted to the blanket is damaged or over-heating.

Meanwhile, the council says hot water bottles should be replaced every two years and checked for signs of wear and tear.

The flower symbol on the hot water bottle will show you the year it was produced and which month it was made in that year - each petal represents a month, each dot within a petal represents a week in that month.