Fire service offers safety checks for electric blankets

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has issued the advice and will be offering free tests for residents.

Jackie Boyle, community fire safety manager for the service, said: ‘In 2016 our team tested 535 electric blankets and found that 173 carried a potential fire risk – that’s almost a third of all those we tested being unsafe for use.

‘Electric blankets are a source of great comfort to many during the winter months, but we cannot stress enough the importance of having these blankets checked regularly. Elderly members of our community, and those with mobility issues, can be especially vulnerable so we’re urging everyone who uses an electric blanket to take up the offer of a free test.’

To book a test and for details, call 0845 872 9719.