Free testing sessions for electric blankets will take place all around Redcar and Cleveland between 12 and 14 September, for residents to ensure their blankets are safe to be used before the cold days of winter.
With the rise in energy bills and the departure of the warm summer days, it is expected that people will be turning to more cost-effective ways to keep themselves warm. Whilst electric blankets are one of the best solutions, they also represent a potential fire hazard due to old age or malfunctions.
For this reason, free testing sessions for electric blankets have been organised by the Council’s Trading Standards Service. Appointments are required for the testing.
The sessions will be based in Redcar, South Bank, Eston, Loftus and Guisborough in order to be accessible to as many residents as possible. If residents find transporting their blanket to the testing venue an issue, please let the team know on booking and transport can be arranged to get the blanket transported for testing.
Free underblanket replacements can also be provided in case of test failures, subject to availability.
A representative from Victim Care and Advice Service will be available to offer advice and support to anyone who has been a victim of crime and assist with crime prevention. Representatives from Cleveland Fire Brigade will also be attending the sessions.
Cabinet member for Health and welfare Cllr Steve Kay said: “Our residents’ safety will always be a top priority for us. We are aware that, due to the rise in energy and gas bills, people will prefer to use electric blankets as a cheaper, but efficient way to keep themselves warm. We strongly encourage anyone owning an electric blanket to get it tested and avoid any potential fire accidents.”
To make an appointment, please call the Trading Standards Team on 01287 612489 or email tradingstandards@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Times and locations for the sessions:
Monday, 12 September
St Peter’s Church, Redcar Lane, Redcar, TS10 3JL
Between 9am – 12pm & 1pm – 4.30pm
Tuesday, 13 September
MFC Foundation, Herlingshaw Centre, South Bank, TS6 9AE - Between 9am - 12pm
California Youth Centre, Guisborough St.Eston, Middlesbrough TS6 9LA - Afternoon: 1pm –4.30pm
Wednesday, 14 September
Loftus Town Hall, Loftus, TS13 4HG
Between 9am – 12pm
Belmont House, Rectory Lane, Guisborough, TS14 7FD
Between 1pm – 4.30pm