Residents are being urged to book now for free electric blanket safety tests from the Council in preparation for the upcoming colder months throughout the winter.
Once again, the Council is staging this popular free service with the local multi-agency safety partnership Avonsafe.
It is one of the ways that people can protect themselves against a possible injury or fire in the home. Testing will take place in September and October in Bath, Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and Timsbury.
If you have a blanket over three years old, you should aim to have it tested every year. Testers will check to see if the wiring in your blanket has moved whether the electrical connections are worn or damaged and whether it meets current safety standards.
In addition to the testing, a range of organisations will be offering information to help residents keep safe, healthy and active. The Timsbury session is in partnership with a Village Agent Roadshow
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Now is the time to book your blanket in for a test, especially if it’s over three years old, for your own safety and peace of mind – and before the cold weather is upon us.
“Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to ensuring that people feel safe within their homes; therefore it’s important to highlight the dangers of household fires.
“We want to support older people to live independently and helping them to take responsibility for their safety in their own homes is a key part of this.”
Last year, Bath & North East Somerset Council held similar events and tested 127 electric blankets.
Of these 23 blankets failed the test as they were mostly blankets over 10 years old, without overheat protectors and no longer meeting current European safety standards.
To book an appointment, call Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Public Protection & Health Improvement team on 01225 396759.
Dates and times for 2014
- Wednesday, 24th September – 12.30pm – 4.30pm, St John’s Church Hall, Keynsham High Street, BS31 2BL
- Friday, 26th September – 9.30am – 4pm, Council Chamber, High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DP.
- Tuesday, 30th September – 9.30am – 4pm, St Philip & St James Church Hall, Frome Road, Odd Down, BA2 2QF.
- Friday, 3rd October – 12.30pm – 4.30pm, St John’s Church Hall, High Street, Keynsham, BS31 2BL.
- Tuesday, 21st October – 11am – 4.30pm, New Oriel Hall, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6RA.
- Tuesday, 28th October – 1.30pm – 4pm, Conygre Hall, Timsbury, BA2 0JG.
