FREE electric blanket testing at libraries across Norfolk

People in Norfolk are being invited to a series of free electric blanket testing events taking place across the county next week.

From Monday 10 to Thursday 13 March, Norfolk County Council Trading Standards and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service will be holding these drop-in sessions at libraries across the county, so people can have their electric blankets tested by an expert free of charge and stay safe and warm.

They can also speak to friendly staff from both services to find out more about product safety, fire safety in the home and how to best protect themselves and their loved ones from scams.

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities at Norfolk County Council, said: "We would like to invite everyone to bring their electric blankets, or those of their family member, friend or neighbour along to one of these events to get them safety tested free of charge."

"Electric blankets cause hundreds of fires nationally each year, so we really want to show people what to look out for when buying and using one at home to help them stay safe."

Some key safety advice is to check your blanket for wear or damage including:

• If the fabric is worn or frayed
• If scorch marks are visible on the fabric
• If wires are poking through the fabric
• If there is damage to any part of the electrical cord
• If the control buttons are making a buzzing sound when switched on and/or is giving off a smell
• If the connector fitted to the blanket is damaged or over-heating

The free electric blanket testing events will be held at the following locations. For more information about electric blanket safety, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/electricblankets.

Monday 10 March

• 10.30am-12.30pm at Cromer Library
• 2.30-4.30pm at Gorleston Library

Tuesday 11 March

• 10am-noon at Thetford Library
• 2-4pm at Wymondham Library

Wednesday 12 March

• 10am-noon at Hunstanton Library
• 2-4pm at Dereham Library

Thursday 13 March

• 10am-noon at Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library (The Forum)
• 2-4pm at Diss Library