Sleep safer after electric blanket testing
Nearly 500 residents can now sleep more safely in their beds thanks to Wealden District Council.
But the results of this year’s Electric Blanket Testing Week do not make good bedtime reading. A total of 463 blankets were tested at ten different village and town halls in Wealden at the start of the month and nearly half - 49%- failed.
“The failed blankets could have led to electrocution or house fires,” explained Councillor Mrs Pam Doodes, Cabinet Member for Health & Public Safety. “These have been destroyed with the owners’ permission, and the owners receive a voucher for a 50% discount on the purchase of a new blanket. I would strongly urge other residents who have electric blankets over 10 years old to get them tested as they can be a real source of danger.”
A further testing session has been organised by The Healthy Eastbourne Board at the Venton Centre, Junction Road, Eastbourne. It will run from October 31 to November 2. Anyone interested should ring for an appointment on 01323 638474.
Free electric blanket testing has become a regular Wealden event, and the service is accompanied by advice on energy efficiency, pensions and benefits, and fire prevention. Residents are able to learn more about Anchor Staying Put, the home improvement service for older and disabled homeowners.
“My blanket failed – but I was given a money off voucher to buy a new one. A very satisfactory service,” was how one resident described the event. Another said: “I previously had no idea there was so much help and information available for us older folks. Good on you!”
This year’s failure rate of 49% was higher than last year’s failure rate of 45%.
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; and it is hoped to repeat it again next year.
Notes for Editors:
Please find attached a picture from one of this year’s sessions showing electrical engineer Clive McDonald from Global Electronic and Manning Services testing electric blankets.
