Electric blanket testing

Jo Aspin, our Information and Welfare Advisor was interviewed on BBC Radio Norfolk on Tuesday the 6th December to discuss our electric blanket testing service.

Interviewed by Chris Goreham, Jo explained the challenges that people aged 50+ in Norwich are facing this winter.  She highlighted our initiative to test electric blankets and offer free replacements for faulty ones, helping to raise awareness across Norwich and Norfolk.

Electric blankets only cost between 3-5p an hour to maintain, which can save money on heating bills.  It is recommended that these are replaced every 10 years and maintained regularly.  They can easily be damaged, for example, by folding them too tightly which affects the wiring.  Damaged electric blankets are a fire risk, so it is important that they are tested or replaced regularly.

At our recent free Electric Blanket Testing event out of all the blankets that were tested, 80% were found to have been faulty and these clients were sent home with new electric blankets to keep them warm and most importantly safe for a good few winters. A big thank you to all who came along and for those who couldn’t make it and are using electric blankets please take a look at our handy tips for checking your blankets at home.

Here are 6 top tips for using an electric blanket safely.

1.  Store electric blankets flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring. 
2. Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use.
3. Never use an electric blanket if you have an air flow pressure relief mattress, or use emollient creams. Ask for non-flammable alternatives instead.
4. If your blanket gets wet, don’t use it and never switch it on to dry it.
5. Do not buy second-hand electric blankets.
6. Check regularly for wear and tear and replace at least every 10 years.

This information is provided by London Fire Brigade www.london-fire.gov.uk

If you or a family member is using an electric blanket because you're struggling with the costs of energy bills, it's worth knowing that there is a lot of help available. Age UK Norwich can provide lots of information about grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills