24 September 2008
Free Electric Blanket Testing
Free electric blanket testing returns to Wealden visiting 10 different venues during week commencing 13 October.
Last year's blanket barrage resulted in the testing of some 450 blankets with almost half (45%) failing to meet safety standards.
"Faulty electric blankets lead to 1000 house fires in the UK each year", said Councillor Ron Cussons, Cabinet member for Community. "This results in around 20 deaths and 250 injuries. I would urge anyone with an electric blanket to get it tested at one of our October sessions. The sessions are a great place to catch up on some of the latest offers available to make your home safer, more energy efficient and easier to run, so do try to come along.”
The blanket testing programme is co-ordinated by Wealden District Council in partnership with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Anchor Staying Put, Parish and Town Councils, Department of Work and Pensions, Sussex Police, East Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust, Wealden Benefits Department and Care for the Carers. The events are funded by the Safer Wealden Partnership.
The electric blanket testing will be accompanied by a free road show with information and advice on fire prevention, adaptations and improvements to your home, energy efficiency and home security.
Timetable for electric blanket testing (pdf, 73kb). Please note, the Polegate venue is now St Johns Church Hall, not Polegate Village Hall.
For further information, please contact zoe.clarke@wealden.gov.uk
