Get Your Electric Blanket Safety Checked For Free In Beverley

Residents thinking about reaching for electric blankets to beat the autumnal chill are being urged to make sure they are safe.

Officers from East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s trading standards team will be at various locations including Beverley offering free electric blanket checks.

The checks in Beverley will take place on Tuesday 20 October between 9.30am to 5.30pm at Beverley library.

Last year, 244 electric blankets were tested as part of the council’s continuing programme electric blankets safety checks. Of those checked 44 blankets failed the safety test and were found to be dangerous to use.

The most common reason blankets fail is, that due to their age, a fault has developed in the wiring or they don’t have an overheat protection system which is found in modern blankets.

Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder for community involvement and local partnerships at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Electric blankets are often used by older or vulnerable people so it is important to make sure they are safe.

“Residents may be using dated or dangerous blankets without realising the potential danger they are putting themselves in.

“Industry guidelines recommend a safety check every three years, unless the blanket is damaged or worn but for peace of mind over the winter months I would urge people to take advantage of these free checks.”

It takes six minutes to check each electric blanket and it is free of charge to residents but people must make an appointment.

Residents can bring more than one blanket but in order for them to be tested correctly, all controls, cables and plugs must be brought too.

Anyone who would like to have their electric blankets checked must ensure an appointment is made for each blanket they wish to bring.

Anyone wishing to make an appointment should call East Riding of Yorkshire Council on (01482) 396301