27 September 2013

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

FIREFIGHTERS are inviting East Grinstead residents to have a free electric blanket test to help them stay safe this winter.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is hosting a safety session at Glen Vue on 28 October. Anyone wishing to have their blanket tested will need to make an appointment after 30 September – see the poster here for details.

Fire Safety officer Jackie Boyle said: “Electric blanket fires may not be the most common incident we attend, but nationally, there are around 1000 fires each year caused by unsafe blankets and sadly, many people are injured and some even killed.

“It is often our older or more vulnerable residents who use electric blankets. Even if you don’t use an electric blanket yourself, please consider neighbours or relatives who do. Just because someone has been using an electric blanket for many years without a problem it doesn’t mean that it’s safe. We would certainly recommend replacing any blanket over 10 years old.

“We’ve doubled the number of testing events we’re holding this year, so we are really urging people to take up the offer of a free test to give them and their families peace of mind knowing their blanket is safe.”

For more information on the safe use and storage of electric blankets please visit website www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire