Electric blanket safety checks are coming to Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire residents are being encouraged to avoid fire risk spoiling a good night’s sleep by taking advantage of free electric blanket safety checks from Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team.

There will be free refreshments available at the pre-bookable events in:

Oxford, Monday 19 September

South Oxfordshire, Tuesday 20 September

Cherwell, Wednesday, 21 September

West Oxfordshire, Thursday, 22 September

Vale of White Horse, Friday, 23 September

For those who are unable to travel, arrangements can be made to collect electric blankets from residents’ homes between 3 - 7 October.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: "If the condition of a blanket is allowed to deteriorate there is the possibility it could become faulty, risking injury and fire. We want to ensure that electric blankets are still safe for use. The tests are free. But remember to pre-book!

“Testing electric blankets has taken place in Oxfordshire for over 20 years. The failure rate is still over 20 per cent. Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service has dealt with house fires started by old electric blankets in the past.”

Call 01865 895999 (option 3), or email: duty.officer@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Pre-booked appointments are required and will be available on a first come first served basis.