Get Your Electric Blanket Tested For Free This Autumn

Friday, 6 September 2024 10:03

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

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.

More from Sussex News

AllSaints Founder To Host Sustainable Fashion Show In Brighton To Raise Money For Homelessness In City

AllSaints Founder Stuart Trevor to host sustainable fashion show on Brighton i360 to raise money for homelessness in city
Snowy Protest At Lewes County Hall Calls For Fossil Fuel Divestment

Residents of East Sussex and Brighton & Hove braved snow and near-zero temperatures this morning (Thursday) to stage a 90-minute 'Divest for climate justice!' protest outside County Hall in Lewes.
Local MP Tours Firefighters’ Centre In Littlehampton

Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Alison Griffiths visited Fire Fighters Charity’s Marine Court in Littlehampton last Friday, meeting with firefighters, service users, and charity staff to learn about the health and wellbeing support provided to fire and rescue service personnel, some of whom are recovering from injury and illness.
Former Portslade Scout Leader Convicted Of 79 Child Sex Offences

A Hove man whose jobs gave him repeated access to children has been convicted of dozens of child sex offences.
Man Sentenced For Drugs And Weapons Offences

A driver has been sentenced for his involvement in supplying cocaine in Sussex.
Free Hastings Energy Champions Training At The White Rock Hotel

Local community energy co-operative Energise Sussex Coast are holding a free one-day interactive training at the White Rock Hotel in Hastings on Tuesday 17 December.
FareShare Sussex Appeals For Christmas Support

FareShare Sussex & Surrey is urging supporters to dig deep as it launches two ambitious campaigns to help feed those in need this winter.
Vital Funding Extension Agreed For Theatre And Gallery

Cultural grants for Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery will continue for a further year after the current funding agreement ends next spring.
Driver Disqualified After High Speed Pursuit

A dangerous driver who crashed into a family home has been disqualified.
Prolific Brighton Burglar Returned To Prison

A prolific burglar has been returned to prison after pleading guilty to two further burglaries.