As the weather gets cooler, Cumbrians are being warned about a danger that may be lurking under their bed sheets.
Faulty electric blankets cause around 5,000 fires in UK homes each year and for a limited period Cumbria County Council's Trading Standards Department will be offering to replace defective blankets subject to certain conditions.
Between 18th and 22nd September, Trading Standards Officers will be joining forces with Age Concern and other voluntary groups to offer free checks at venues in Barrow, Cleator Moor, Penrith, Workington and Carlisle.
From 9th October to 13th, people will be able to get their electric blankets checked in Kendal, Appleby, Grange-over-Sands, Brampton and Whitehaven
The safety tests are being offered by appointment, and with limited places available people are advised to book their slot as soon as possible by ringing Trading Standards on the following numbers:
Abbey Road, Barrow in Furness - 01229-894520
Earl Street, Carlisle - 01228-607447
Station Road, Cockermouth - 01900-325980
County Offices, Kendal - 01539-773577
Geoff Hodgson, Cumbria County Council spokesman for Community Safety says: "When Cumbria County Council held this event last year almost half the electric blankets brought along for testing were found to be faulty.
“Faulty electric blankets present a very real risk of causing house fires and personal injury, often to the most vulnerable people.
“I would encourage people to take advantage of this offer and book an appointment to get their blanket checked."
Notes for Editors
An information leaflet providing more details on this year’s free electric blanket testing initiative is attached.
View more information on electric blanket safety tests (PDF)...