Free tests for electric blankets being held in Kidderminster (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Free tests for electric blankets being held in Kidderminster

7:10am Monday 24th September 2012 in News

RESIDENTS in Kidderminster are being invited to a Home Safe Home event where they can have their electric blankets safety checked free of charge.

It will be held at Kidderminster Fire Station in Castle Road, Kidderminster on Wednesday, October 3, from 9.30am until 3pm.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) and Age UK Wyre Forest are lead agencies for the initiative.

Wyre Forest District Council , Act On Energy, NHS Worcestershire, the Community Housing Group , West Mercia Police , Care and Repair, Support 24 and Worcestershire Telecare will also attend the event, which is targeted primarily towards older people.

As well as getting their electric blankets tested, those attending will also be able to take advantage of free property marking and get advice on home security, health care and energy efficiency, and other services for older people.

Advice on all aspects of fire safety will also be available, with the emphasis on having working smoke alarms fitted in the home and testing them regularly.

Caroline Webster, community safety adviser with HWFRS, said: “Thankfully, we have very few fires linked to defective electric blankets in Worcestershire.

“However, around a quarter of electric blankets tested in Kidderminster in October last year were found to be unsafe and so we feel it’s important that we continue to offer these testing sessions to highlight the issue and encourage local residents to bring along their blankets to have them properly checked.”

For a free blanket test, make an appointment by calling 01562 512612. Alternatively, a drop-in facility will be available on the day for those who are prepared to wait or collect later.