Electric blankets could kill this winter – this is the message
from North Somerset Trading Standards.
Officers issued the stark warning following testing sessions
which saw a quarter of the blankets checked fail.
Which means, had they been used, they could have caused serious
burns, or even caught fire.
Executive member responsible for trading standards, Cllr Carl
Francis-Pester, said: “We held electric blanket testing sessions in
Weston and Portishead and tested nearly 100 blankets in all,
with the Weston session fully booked and Portishead over
subscribed.
“Those blankets which failed were destroyed, and Avonsafe was on
hand to offer some free replacements.
“But it is frightening to think of what could have happened if
they had been used during the winter.
“As the nights get colder, and at this difficult financial time
when people may want to cut back on heating bills, electric
blankets could be used to keep warm.
“But our message is clear – make sure they are safe before you
use them.
“If there are any visible signs of damage to cables, or the
blanket, do not use it.
“If you are in doubt, throw it out.
“And never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket at the
same time.”
The two testing sessions also included information about home
energy efficiency from North Somerset Council and home fire safety
from Avon Fire and Rescue Service.
Trading Standards officers were also able to offer advice and
support about scams and shoppers’ rights as part of National
Consumer week.
For more information about electric blanket safety contact
Trading Standards on 01934 634 633 or email
trading.standards@n-somerset.gov.uk