Testing time for electric blankets

Published on 10/09/2012 10:55

ELECTRIC blankets can be tested for free on Wednesday, September 12 at Portadown Health Centre.

With fires claiming 12 lives across Northern Ireland this year, the Southern Trust has reminded the public that old or faulty electric blankets can be lethal.

The electric blanket roadshow, one of 12 organised by the trust, will start at 10am and finish at 4pm. Appointments are necessary. To book, contact Rebekah Lee on 028 3834 4973.

Gerard Rocks, assistant director of Promoting Wellbeing, said, “Last year 610 blankets were tested by our trained electrical engineer and out of these, 342 blankets failed the safety test as they were either too old or were deemed to pose a fire risk to their owners.

“Blankets can fail due to wear and tear or become damaged because they are stored incorrectly. Clients whose blankets fail are given a £15 voucher towards the cost of a new blanket. A total of 259 people made use of these vouchers to purchase a new electric blanket.”

He added, “It is advisable to have an electric blanket tested at least every three years.

Just because a blanket is working doesn’t mean that it is safe. These sessions also provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about staying safe at home.”

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Testing time for electric blankets

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