Free Electric Blanket Testing
Free electric blanket testing returns to Wealden this October with sessions taking place at 10 different venues during the week beginning Monday October 3.
“Last year we had a very successful week, testing over 450 blankets,” said Councillor Mrs Pam Doodes, Cabinet member for Health and Public Safety.
“But the failure rate was frightening – 45 per cent were found to be a fire risk. That is why I would urge anyone with an older electric blanket, or one which they have doubts about, to get it tested at one of our October sessions.”
The latest figures from the Department of Trade and Industry show that nearly 2,000 fires a year in the UK are associated with electric blankets. And 99% of these fires were caused by blankets over 10 years old which led to 100 people being severely injured.
If you have difficulty in taking blankets to one of the testing locations, or know people who do, please contact Wealden’s Specialist Environmental Health Officer Sophie Hepworth on 01323 443275 who will try to arrange a collection point, if resources allow.
The Electric Blanket Testing programme is co-ordinated by Wealden District Council in partnership with Anchor Staying Put, parish and town councils, Powergen, Department of Work and Pensions, East Sussex Fire and Rescue, Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust and Wealden Benefits Department.
The sessions are accompanied by supporting information and advice on fire prevention, home improvements, energy efficiency and home security.
Each year the programme visits different venues. Unfortunately resources do not allow every village in Wealden to be visited every year.
The free Electric Blanket Testing sessions are as follows:
Monday October 3
Charles Hunt Centre, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham. 9.30 -11.30am.
Uckfield Civic Centre, Civic Approach, Uckfield. 2 - 4pm.
Tuesday October 4
Church Bailey Court, Montague Way, Westham. 10 -12 noon.
St.Wilfreds Church Hall, Broad Road, Willingdon. 2 – 4 pm.
Wednesday October 5
East Dean Village Hall, Gilberts Drive, East Dean. 10 -12 noon.
East Hoathly Village Hall, Church Marks Lane, East Hoathly. 2 - 4pm.
Thursday October 6
Union Church Hall, Station Road, Heathfield. 10 -12 noon.
Frant Memorial Hall, The Green, Frant. 2 - 4pm.
Friday October 7
Crowborough Town Hall, The Broadway, Crowborough. 10 -12 noon.
Nutley War Memorial Hall, High Street, Nutley. 2 - 4pm.
