Electric blanket testing is back this autumn
It may be the middle of summer but it’s never too early to prepare for the cold winter nights, which is why residents are being encouraged to take advantage of free electric blanket testing later this year.
In 2024, of the 743 blankets tested, more than 30 per cent failed the safety test.
Sessions will be held by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards teams at locations across the county. The full address and a specific time slot will be provided at time of booking:
September 2025:
- 22 September: Rosehill, Oxford City
- 23 September: Henley on Thames, South Oxfordshire
- 24 September: Bicester, Cherwell
- 25 September: Chipping Norton, West Oxfordshire
- 26 September: Abingdon, Vale of White Horse
October 2025:
- 6 October: Risinghurst, Oxford City
- 7 October: Didcot, South Oxfordshire
- 8 October: Banbury, Cherwell
- 9 October: Witney, West Oxfordshire
- 10 October: Wantage, Vale of White Horse
Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “If the condition of a blanket is allowed to deteriorate there is the possibility it could become faulty, risking injury and fire.
“In 2024, of the 743 blankets we tested, over 30 per cent failed, which shows just how important this important service remains.
“This is a free service we have been providing now for 26 years for anybody in Oxfordshire to take advantage of. It’s probably hard to think about the winter right now, but do book your appointment as soon as possible to avoid disappointment get yourself prepared.”
Spots can be prebooked by calling 01865 519800 (option 4), by emailing duty.officer@oxfordshire.gov.uk or by booking online.
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