Free electric blanket testing sessions rolled out in Newark and across Nottinghamshire to help keep residents safe

Residents are being offered the chance to replace their old or damaged electric blankets free of charge next month.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team are set to carry out electric blanket safety testing at three separate events in October, as part of a winter safety and cost of living initiative.

At last year’s testing events, over two thirds — 69% — of electric blankets were found to be unsafe, including one blanket that was 43 years old.

Faulty or damaged electric blankets cause countless fires across the UK every year, and in 2022-23 there were three fires in Nottinghamshire with causes attributed to electric blankets.

These sadly resulted in two fatalities, so it is vital residents’ ensure their blankets are checked regularly.

The free events will be held at Newark Library, on Wednesday, October 23; Retford Fire Station, on Thursday, October 24; and Cotgrave Futures, on Friday, October 25.

To book a free appointment call 0115 804 4555.

Any electric mattress blankets brought to the three events will be tested and replaced with a new one should they fail the safety testing, and any blankets which fail safety testing will not be handed back to residents.

The county council’s Trading Standards team advises that blankets displaying scorch marks, fraying fabric, exposed elements, damp patches loose connections, tie tapes that are damaged or missing and creasing and folding are of particular concern and should be brought along for testing.

Even without any of these warning signs, it is recommended that electric blankets are replaced every ten years.

Gordon Wheeler, deputy cabinet member for communities and public health at the council, said: “With temperatures cooling, we know that many people across Nottinghamshire will be turning to appliances such as electric blankets.

“These sessions are a great opportunity for anyone with an old electric mattress blanket to come along and get it tested to make sure that it is not putting them and their loved ones at risk.

“We’re also keen that anyone with an elderly or vulnerable relative or neighbour helps us to spread the word about these events.

“It is not worth the risk of using an older blanket which may be unsafe so I would urge anyone who owns an electric mattress blanket to consider booking to come along to one of our free events.”

Tom Archer, head of prevention, protection and partnerships at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We know that with the colder weather approaching, and the ongoing cost of living crisis, many people across the county are going to be reaching for their electric blankets as another way to stay warm this winter.

“We join Nottinghamshire County Council in urging our communities to come along to one of the planned events if they own an electric blanket — events such as this present an opportunity to work proactively with our partners to replace old and damaged blankets, especially for our more vulnerable residents.

“Thankfully Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service haven’t attended a significant number of electric blanket fires in recent years, but they are still a fire hazard, and we want to prevent incidents from happening here in Nottinghamshire.

“We also ask that you consider using our free online check, either for yourself or someone you know, who could benefit from a Safe and Well Visit in order to keep them safe within their homes — head to safelincs.co.uk.”

Residents are also advised to avoid buying second-hand electric blankets and to make sure that blankets display the British or European standard and a safety certification mark.