Rising popularity of Wealden’s free electric blanket testing
Wealden ran free electric blanket safety tests across the District in October. Of the 441 electric blankets tested, 198 failed (45%) and seven were repaired. Everyone whose electric blanket failed was given a money-off voucher for a replacement blanket.
Pam Doodes, Leader, Wealden District Council, said “I’m delighted with our Public Health Development team’s work on safety. The blanket testing project reflects the priority we place on meeting the needs of our communities. The project’s popularity is rising with 441 blankets tested this year, 46 more than in 2006. The project is not only reducing this significant cause of house fires, it also provides advice from other local services who are partners in the project”.
This is a partnership project co-ordinated by Wealden District Council. We are grateful to the sponsors Waitrose and the Safer Wealden Partnership, as well as East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service who provide the venues. The partnership comprises a broad range of organisations who combine their expertise and resources to provide free advice and information on fire prevention, home adaptations and improvements, energy efficiency and home security at the testing sessions.
In East Sussex, there have been 26 house fires caused by electric blankets in the last ten years.
