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Electric blanket testing events available to Nottinghamshire residents

Nottinghamshire residents are being offered the chance to replace their old electric blankets free of charge in December.

The county council’s Trading Standards Team will be carrying out an electric blanket exchange at three separate events on 6, 7 and 8 December as part of a campaign to improve safety.

In 2022/23, there have been three fires in Nottinghamshire with causes attributed to electric blankets which sadly resulted in two fatalities.

Electric blankets brought to the three events will be tested and replaced with a new one should they fail the safety testing. Any blankets which fail safety testing will not be handed back to residents.

The county council’s Trading Standards team advises that blankets displaying scorch marks, fraying fabric, exposed elements, damp patches loose connections, tie tapes that are damaged or missing and creasing and folding are of particular concern and should be brought along for testing.

Appointments are available at:

• Worksop Library – 6 December.
• Bingham Library – 7 December.
• Mansfield Fire Station – 8 December.

Residents wishing to book an appointment can do so by calling 0115 804 4555.

Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “With winter now upon us, we know that many people across Nottinghamshire will be turning to appliances such as electric blankets to give more heat to their homes.

“These sessions are a great opportunity for anyone with an old electric blanket to come along and get it tested to make sure that it is not putting them and their loved ones at risk.

“We’re also keen that anyone with an elderly or vulnerable relative or neighbour helps us to spread the word about these events.

“It is not worth the risk of using an older blanket which may be unsafe so I would urge anyone who owns an electric blanket to consider booking to come along to one of our events.”