Stay safe and warm – free electric blanket testing

FREE electric blanket testing is being offered by Thurrock Trading Standards to ensure residents stay safe and warm this winter.

Blankets need to be dropped off at collection points before Tuesday, 23 October to benefit from the free testing scheme.

Collection points are:

Corringham Local Housing Office
Tilbury Housing Office, Civic Square
Civic Offices, New Road, Grays
The Forum, Derwent Parade, South Ockendon
Chadwell Information Centre (library)

Cllr Angie Gaywood, Thurrock Council’s portfolio holder for Public Protection said: “I am very pleased that Thurrock Council are offering this free testing scheme, particularly when heating costs are so high that often residents turn to a heated blanket to keep them warm. This scheme will ensure residents are kept safe -particularly the elderly and vulnerable – from fire. According to Essex Fire and Rescue around 5,000 house fires are caused by electric blankets each year.”

Each blanket is tested and returned to its owner. Any products found to be faulty are replaced by the Council with a new blanket free of charge.

To ensure electric blankets are safe follow these top tips:
Read and follow the manufacturers’ instructions before use and keep these safe.
Examine your blanket regularly for signs of wear and damage
If the fuse in the 13amp plug requires changing, a 3 amp BS1362 fuse must be fitted.
Leave it on the bed or place it flat on spare bed when not in use or fold the blanket and place it in the original box or container.

Blankets should be dropped off at the collection points in a strong bag and clearly labelled with names and contact details including a telephone number. If a blanket fails the test it cannot be returned under any circumstances.

For more information residents can contact Thurrock Trading Standards on 01375 652310.