Unsafe electric blankets cause between 800 and 1000 fires in the UK each year, with nearly 20 deaths and 200 injuries. 99% of all electric blanket fires are believed to have involved blankets that are more than ten years old and have no overheat protection. It is always recommended that you regularly check you blanket and they should be replaced every ten years.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Trading Standards team are offering free electric blanket safety checks to ensure people can sleep safely in their beds this winter.
Residents are being encouraged to take up the offer of a free electric blanket check at the following locations:
- Hanley Market Potteries Shopping Centre on 12th of December 2023 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
- Port Vale Football Club 13th of December 2023 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
- Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre 14th December 2023 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Officers will be checking blankets for electrical safety – and any blanket belonging to residents who are over 60, that fails the safety test will be replaced free of charge.
There are only a limited number of places available so please book an appointment by calling 01782 238170.