Free electric blanket testing is on offer across the Isle of Man next week. The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service will provide free testing of blankets between 10am and 4pm at the following locations: Monday 21st February - Castletown Civic Centre Tuesday 22nd February - Ramsey Swimming Pool Wednesday 23rd February - NSC Groves Road – Douglas To avoid queuing, anyone who uses electric blankets is invited to contact the community safety team on 647303 to book a time slot at one of the venues before the day. Fire safety officer, Station Officer Carl Kinvig, said: ‘In previous years there has been a high proportion of electric blankets that have failed the safety test. Potentially, using a faulty electric blanket can lead to a fire in your home. Faults can develop at any time and I urge anyone who has a blanket, or whose elderly relatives use electric blankets, to take this opportunity to have them checked. It’s no problem to come along without an appointment but we will give priority to people who have booked a time slot.’ Last year around 50% of blankets tested failed. This year the IoM Fire and Rescue Service is sharing the venues with Age Concern’s Energy Doctor and Bright Ideas’ Home Energy Doctor – who will be available to discuss ways of improving your home’s efficiency thereby saving money. Anyone who attends the blanket testing sessions can pick up a voucher for a 10% discount off the price of new electric blankets, heaters, low energy bulbs and energy monitors, redeemable at the Manx Electricity Authority showrooms. Book your free electric blanket test time by phone on 647303 or email cs@gov.im. Anyone requiring fire safety advice can contact the Fire Service community safety risk reduction team or go to the website www.iomfire.com. ENDS