Residents are being urged to get their electric blankets checked free of charge before the winter weather sets in.
Around 1,000 fires a year are caused by faulty electric blankets and Swansea Council along with the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is offering the blanket testing offer on October 1 and 4.
Cllr John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council, said: “The approaching winter months will mean that many owners of electric blankets will be switching them on soon to keep warm. Whilst it is a great benefit to have heating at the touch of a button, electric blankets are known to cause significant fires in the home. These vital checks can potentially save lives.”
Hayley Walder of Swansea Trading Standards said that if a blanket fails the test the owner will get a new blanket free of charge if they consent to a home fire safety check by the fire service as well.
She said: “Now is the time of year when the nights get a little colder and people dig out their electric blankets from the cupboard. We just want to help people ensure they’re in tip top condition and not a risk so people can sleep safe and sound at night.
“If our tests show the blanket is a risk, owners can either purchase a new one themselves or the Mid and West Wales Fire Service will provide one for free if the owner doesn’t mind the service doing a full fire risk safety check of their home.”
VENUES
FRIDAY OCTOBER 1 from 10am to 3pm
UK Day for Older People at Swansea Grand Theatre
MONDAY OCTOBER 4 from 10am to 3pm
Canolfan Goreseinon Centre
Please call Hayley Walder or Rachel Williams at Trading Standards on 01792 635600 for more details and to book your appointment. Only limited numbers of blankets can be tested and will be done on a first come-first served basis. People can also drop by the venues although an immediate appointment cannot be guaranteed.
