Free electric blanket testing on Friday at Yate Library

There will be FREE electric blanket testing this Friday (25th January) at Yate Library. Do you know some elderly people who might benefit? Or maybe you work with elderly people and could pass the word around?

Free testing and free blanket if their blanket fails - ring Fiona O'Driscoll on 01454 863632 to book. There are plenty of spaces available at the moment.

Is your home safe for winter?

Avon Fire and Rescue Service want to help you make sure you stay safe this winter. They offer advice on:

• Home Fire Safety Visits
• Firework safety
• Winter safety issues like chimney fires
• Electric blanket testing - take your blankets to Yate Fire Station between 9.30am and 4pm this Friday (14 October) to have them tested for free. To make a booking, call South Glos on 01454 863632.

Nationally, around 1,000 fires are caused by faulty electric blankets each year. Before you buy a blanket make sure it carries a recognised approval mark, such as the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB) mark, or the International Standard number EN 60967.Don’t buy second hand and have your blanket inspected by the manufacturer or a qualified electrician in accordance with their instructions, usually every three years.

Free electric blanket testing available

Residents in South Gloucestershire are encouraged to get their electric blankets tested for free on Tuesday 18 January at Patchway Fire Station.

South Gloucestershire Council is providing the free blanket testing in partnership with Avon Fire and Rescue Service to help prevent the risk of fire caused by old or faulty blankets. Nationally, it is estimated that old or damaged electric blankets can cause 5,000 house fires a year and older people are at greatest risk according to the charity, Age UK.

So if you, or a family member need to get your blanket tested, please book an appointment by calling 01454 863632. Testing will take place between 10am and 3pm.

Top tips for those electric blanket essentials:

1. Have your blanket checked at least every three years
2. Look out for danger signs such as fraying fabric, scorch marks, exposed elements, wetness and loose connections
3. Store blankets flat or rolled up, never folded
4. Switch blankets off at night unless they have a working thermostat control.
5. Electric blankets should carry the British Standard Kitemark and the British Electotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB), or the European safety mark
6. Never buy a second hand electric blanket.

Patchway Fire Station is on Rodway Road, Patchway.