Free blanket MoT
Pensioners will be able to sleep safe and warm this winter thanks to free ‘MOT’ checks on their electric blankets. Trading Standards currently run the testing exercise on a three year programme around Northumberland.
Testing is by appointment only which can be made by all Northumberland pensioners by telephoning 01670 534570 from 12 September. Since numbers are limited, early booking is advisable. Arrangements will be made to collect blankets from anyone who is housebound.
The testing day in Amble is Friday 30 September at Amble Development Trust, Fourways2.
Jimmy Power, Business and Consumer Protection Manager said, “Although not all electric blankets are deathtraps research indicates that blankets over 10 years old are responsible for the majority of electric blanket fires and so I strongly advise anyone with a blanket of this age or older to arrange to have it checked. In a similar exercise carried out last year elsewhere in the county 55% of the blankets tested failed.”
In the event of blankets failing the tests, brand new replacements will be available at a reduced cost. The funding for this is being provided by Age UK Northumberland. “It is very important to Age UK Northumberland that older people are safe” said Anne Robinson, Health Development Manager at the charity. “We are covering much of the cost of the blankets so that as many people as possible can sleep safely with the new blankets”.
As well as having their blankets tested pensioners will receive other useful information on knowing your rights and other related matters.
This is a great idea to make sure that pensioners will be kept safe and warm over the winter months