Free Electric Blanket Testing

From Monday 10^th to Thursday 13^th March, Norfolk County Council Trading Standards and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service will be holding these drop-in sessions at libraries across the county, so people can have their electric blankets tested by an expert free of charge and stay safe and warm.

They can also speak to friendly staff from both services to find out more about product safety, fire safety in the home and how to best protect themselves and their loved ones from scams.

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities at Norfolk County Council, said: “We would like to invite everyone to bring their electric blankets, or those of their family member, friend or neighbour along to one of these events to get them safety tested free of charge.

“Electric blankets cause hundreds of fires nationally each year, so we really want to show people what to look out for when buying and using one at home to help them stay safe.”

Some key safety advice is to check your blanket for wear or damage including:

• If the fabric is worn or frayed
• If scorch marks are visible on the fabric
• If wires are poking through the fabric
• If there is damage to any part of the electrical cord
• If the control buttons are making a buzzing sound when switched on and/or is giving off a smell
• If the connector fitted to the blanket is damaged or over-heating

The FREE electric blanket testing events will be held at the following locations. For more information about electric blanket safety, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/electricblankets

Monday 10th March

10.30-12.30 Cromer Library

2.30-4.30 Gorleston Library

Tuesday 11th March

10am-noon Thetford Library

2-4pm Wymondham Library

Wednesday 12th March

10am-noon Hunstanton Library

2-4pm Dereham Library

Thursday 13th March

10am-noon Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library (The Forum)

2-4pm Diss Library