Over half the electric blankets people brought to a free event earlier this week failed basic safety checks and could have put Swansea residents in danger this winter.
Sixteen of the 30 people who attended a session at the Grand Theatre were told their blankets were faulty and could pose a fire risk.
But anyone who missed out on the free check now has another chance to get their electric blanket looked at thanks to a further event at Gorseinon’s Canolfan Centre on Millers Drive on Monday October 10.
The event has been organised by Swansea Council and the Mid and West Wales Fire Brigade and will take place between 9am and 12.45pm.
Around a thousand fires a year are caused by faulty electric blankets and statistics show about 60 per cent of blankets checked at similar events in Swansea last year failed basic safety tests.
Hayley Walder, of Swansea Council’s Trading Standards team, said: “The first free check-up earlier this week again highlighted how many people out there have faulty electric blankets in their homes that could pose a fire risk.
“I’d urge anyone with an electric blanket to come along and get it checked out by experts because it costs nothing and could potentially save lives.”
If tests show the blanket is a risk then owners can either purchase a new one themselves or the Mid and West Wales Fire Service will provide one for free if the person doesn’t mind them doing a full fire risk safety check of their home.
A third free check-up event is also taking place on Monday November 14 at Age Concern in Sun Alliance House on St Helen’s Road from 9.30am to 1pm. This event is only for people aged 50 and over.
Call Hayley at Trading Standards on 01792 635600 for more details or to book your appointment.
Only limited numbers of blankets can be tested and this will be done on a first come-first served basis. People can also drop by the venues on the day but an immediate appointment can’t be guaranteed.
