Oxford,
07
July
2021
|
07:59
Europe/London

Electric blanket safety checks coming to Oxfordshire

Residents are being encouraged to avoid fire risk spoiling a good night’s sleep by taking advantage of pre-bookable and free electric blanket safety checks from Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team.

Due to COVID-19, it will not be possible for residents to visit the test venue, but trading standards will collect blankets from each resident’s home, having posted a plastic bag and label in advance.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: "If the condition of a blanket is allowed to deteriorate there is the possibility it could become faulty, risking injury and fire. We want to ensure that electric blankets are still safe for use. The tests are free. But remember to pre-book!

“Testing electric blankets has taken place in Oxfordshire for over 20 years. The failure rate is still over 20 per cent. Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service has dealt with house fires started by old electric blankets in the past.”

The electric blanket safety check booking line and email will open from 12 July. Call 01865 895999 (option 1), or email: communityengagement@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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