Free electric blanket tests coming to Oxfordshire
Residents are being encouraged to take up the offer of a free electric blanket check, part of Oxfordshire County Council’s programme to ensure everyone is safe, as well as warm, this winter.
As electric blanket tests are normally very popular, they must be booked in advance to be guaranteed.
Sessions will be held at locations across the county. The full address and a specific time slot will be provided at time of booking:
September 2024:
- 16 September: Oxford City
- 17 September: South Oxfordshire
- 18 September: Cherwell
- 19 September: West Oxfordshire
- 20 September: Vale of White Horse
- 30 September: Oxford City
October 2024:
- 1 October: South Oxfordshire
- 2 October: Cherwell
- 3 October: West Oxfordshire
- 4 October: Vale of White Horse
Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities 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.
“The service has been provided free of charge to residents for 25 years, and remains as valuable as ever: in 2023, of the 769 blankets tested, over 35 per cent failed the safety test.
“We therefore want to ensure that electric blankets are still safe for use. It’s free to come along, and there’s also free refreshments while you wait. Make sure you book as soon as you can, it is better to be safe than sorry.”
Appointments can be booked by visiting electric blanket testing, calling 01865 895999 (option three) or emailing duty.officer@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.