Get Your Electric Blanket Tested For Free This Autumn

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is running a series of free electric blanket testing sessions for residents in October.

Faulty electric blankets are a common cause of fire in the home. Last year 36% of the blankets tested by the service were defective and posed a serious risk of starting a fire.

Regular testing is recommended for blankets over two years old to ensure they are still safe to use. Blankets over ten years old should be replaced.

The sessions will take place on the dates below by appointment only. You can book an appointment to have your blanket tested by calling 0345 872 9719.

• 1 October – Bognor Fire Station, West Meads Drive, Bognor Regis, PO21 5TB
• 2 October – Durrington Community Centre, 2 Romany Road, Worthing, BN13 3FJ
• 3 October – Petworth Fire Station, Station Road, Petworth, GU28 0HX
• 4 October – Age UK, Glen Vue Centre, Railway Approach, East Grinstead, RH19 1BS
• 7 October – Burgess Hill Town Hall, 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill, RH15 9AS
• 8 October – Horsham Library, Lower Tanbridge Way, Horsham, RH12 1PJ
• 10 October – Haywards Heath Fire Station, Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1XQ

WSFRS’s Safe and Well Manager Samantha Barber said:

“We know lots of people will be planning to use their electric blankets to keep warm this winter, particularly as the cost of living remains high.

“Of the 209 blankets we tested last year, 75 were deemed unsafe to use as they failed to meet safety standards, which posed a great fire risk.

“We would encourage residents to come and have their blankets tested to ensure they have peace of mind that their blanket is still safe to use. Please book an appointment to meet our friendly team.

” If your blanket is found to be faulty, a limited number of replacement blankets will be available thanks to our partnership with SGN.

"These will be given free of charge to vulnerable residents who receive certain benefits, while stocks last.”

 Further advice on keeping safe and warm at home can be found online.