Darlington residents sleep safe after heated blanket safety test

This year's safety testing has revealed a 37% failure rate of electric blankets in Darlington, resulting in the destruction of 30 unsafe blankets. 

Electric blankets were tested for safety during the event held on 16 and 17 September at Age UK North Yorkshire & Darlington on Beaumont Street. Testing was carried out by an experienced tester on behalf of Darlington Trading Standards, part of Darlington Borough Council's Community Safety Team, and Age UK North Yorkshire & Darlington. 

Shaun Trevor of Darlington Trading Standards said:

"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. 

"This year we have increased promotion of the event which has paid off with a 25% increase in blankets being brought in for a test. This year also saw an increased failure rate which highlights the value of this event allowing our residents to sleep safe in the knowledge that their electric blanket is safe. 

"Thanks to our partners at Age UK North Yorkshire & Darlington, and also County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, for helping to make the event a success."

Andrew Allison, Darlington Borough Council's community resilience officer, said:

"This is a great initiative that genuinely makes our communities safer by getting potentially dangerous items our of people's homes. As well as that, the fire and rescue service will now be offering advice and fitting free smoke alarms in a number of properties, where people were concerned about fire safety or wanted their smoke alarms in a number of properties, where people were concerned about fire safety or wanted their smoke alarms checking or replacing, as part of their safe and wellbeing visits, so it was a real team effort. 

"The testing has again highlighted that many people are still unknowingly using potentially lethal appliances in their homes. Electrical related fires account for almost half the accidental domestic fires in the UK."

Councillor Jonathan Dulston, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:

"This free testing is invaluable and saves lives as many people do not consider the potential dangers of using an electric blanket, especially and old or damaged one. I am pleased to see Trading Standards, Age UK North Yorkshire & Darlington and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service working together yet again to bring this worthwhile and valued safety project to the town. 

"If you have missed this year's testing and have any concerns about your electric blanket then we would strongly advise you to have it checked over by a qualified electrician and watch out for any testing next year."