Oxford,
05
August
2019
|
12:51
Europe/London

Free electric blanket testing for Oxfordshire residents

As autumn approaches and temperatures fall, residents might be thinking about getting out their electric blankets.

Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards, and Fire & Rescue Service, want to ensure everyone is safe - as well as warm - this winter. They're offering free electric blanket tests.

To book a safety check appointment phone 01865 895999 or email communityengagement@oxfordshire.gov.uk

An electric blanket safety check can only be guaranteed if it's pre-booked as the events are expected to be very popular.

Tea and biscuits will be available to everyone, along with information and advice on a range of issues, provided by Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, Age UK, Oxfordshire's District Councils, Public Health England, Wiltshire Farm Foods, and Scottish and Southern Electricity. 

Here are the dates and locations (remember to pre-book if you want an electric blanket check):

 

Monday 07 October

Thame Town Hall

High Street

Thame OX9 3DP

 

Tuesday 08 October

Oxford

The Barn

Nightingale Avenue

Greater Leys

Oxford OX4 7BU

 

Wednesday 09 October

WRVS Banbury

Castle Street

Banbury OX16 5NT

 

Thursday 10 October

Witney (Elmfield council offices)

New Yatt Road

Witney OX28 1PB

 

Friday 11 October

Abingdon Fire Station

Ock Street

Abingdon

OX14 5DH

 

Monday 21 October

Oxford

Cutteslowe Community Centre

31 Wren Rd

Oxford OX2 7SX

 

Tuesday 22 October

OYAP Bicester

The Old St Edburg's School

Cemetery Rd

Bicester OX26 6BB

 

Wednesday 23 October

Henley Town Hall

Market Place

Henley-on-Thames RG9 2AQ

 

Thursday 24 October

Chipping Norton

Glyme Hall

Burford Rd

Chipping Norton OX7 5DZ

 

Friday 25 October

Wantage

Old Mill Hall

School Lane

Grove

Wantage OX12 7LB

 

Richard Webb, Assistant Director Regulatory Services and Community Safety for Oxfordshire County Council said: “I urge people to book their place at one of our testing days. 

"If the condition of the 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. So come along and encourage any elderly neighbours to attend too. It is better to be safe than sorry.”

Notes:

Testing electric blankets has taken place in Oxfordshire for over 20 years. The failure rate is still over 30%.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service has dealt with house fires started by old electric blankets.

The team want to make every contact count. They hope free tea and biscuits will act as an extra incentive for residents to come along to one of the safety sessions where they'll be able to access useful information and advice from a number of organisations and experts.

An electric blanket safety check can only be guaranteed if it's pre-booked

Residents with mobility issues are asked to inform the team when making an appointment. Help can then provided in getting their blanket to a testing venue.

This advice is part of Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service’s 365alive initiative.

For more information about the initiative, please visit www.365alive.co.uk